INDIE REVIEW RADIO: Recent Episodes
INDIE REVIEW RADIO
Now more than ever independent artists thirst for an opportunity to be heard. Indie Review Radio is the catalyst to do just that. Each week the show will feature the best and greatest in the world of independent musicians artists and seasoned industry professionals. The show will include new music by indies, the latest in industry trends by seasoned industry professionals and a wealth of information for independent artists that are looking for what's next in their careers.
In 2009 Ms. LeBlanc contributed to an anthology titled “How The Fierce Handle Fear” where she shares her story about her relationship with fear. Little did she know that her sharing would begin a healing process for so many? After taking stock in her own process of healing as well as the process of others, one glaring common denominator was lack of balance. Whether it was relationships or disease, imbalance seemed to be at the root. Here in lies her plight.
Being personable in her approach and relentless in her pursuant has always worked for Raychelle Those attributes have proven to be very necessary assets for the networking and publicity maverick as a professional in the world of entertainment for the last 15 years. They would prove to be just as effective in the world of healing.
As a certified Nutrition Therapy Practioner, Life and Wellness coach her goal is to meet people where they are and partner with them for breakthroughs so that they can manifest the lives that they want. As a master meditation teacher, her goal is to provide a platform for people to be still, look inside of themselves and discover every answer and fill every gap and as a Reiki Master, her goal is to provide the ultimate experience in relaxation, clearing and healing. Mind, body & spirit balance. When not coaching or holding sessions, Raychelle still works with a small roster of PR and marketing clients.
Isis-Imon a/k/a "Iciy Hot" has been trained in the performing arts since a youth. She writes music, sings, raps, dances, acts, and models. She has recorded through the years with seasoned artists and producers dropping her vocals on various compilation projects. She's an impactful entertainer with the intent to inspire. This ambiguous and philosophical young lady with a beautiful soul is hands-on with every project. A professional that always works to do her best and stays ready. This talented, musically inclined artist is steadily heading towards worldwide recognition. Thus far, this proud Brookly-nite's accomplishments have been graduating for the NYC's own Talented Unlimited High School along with prominent celebrity alumni as Mos Def (hip-hop artist/actor) and Angela Bofill (Singer/Songwriter), to name a few. She has performed side by side with rap artist Common at Carnegie Hall. She has also made appearances on Off-Broadway Plays with The Alpha NYC Theater Company, performed in Momma's Foundation Gospel for Teens Concert's, and honed her talent performing at such showcases as world-renowned SOB's.
Isis is also a featured dancer at School of Blyss, a dance company founded by known choreographer Kevin "Nino Bez" Hunte, whose appearance on Fox network's own "So You Think You Can Dance" made him known throughout the entertainment industry.
Isis has also been vocally trained by industry know coaches Craig Darry and Gordan Chambers. She is cementing her foundation on her journey to stardom.This multi-talented artist is a super-star in the making. One day the world will know the name Isis-Imon.
Monty Ross is an industry vet with 35 years of experience as an actor, producer and director.
His production experience runs the gamut from studio features to lower budgeted independent productions shot on locations ranging from Brooklyn, NY and New Orleans, LA to Pamplona, Spain and Saudi Arabia. After attending Clark Atlanta University, Ross starred in Spike Lee's award winning thesis film, Joe's Bed Stuy Barbershop (We cut Heads). Moving from acting to production supervising, Ross managed day to day operations for Spike Lee's award winning, indie blockbuster film, She's Gotta Have it. Ross was promoted to Vice President of Production at 40 Acres and a Mule Filmworks, Inc., a production company co-founded by with Spike Lee. As a member of Spike's production team, Ross helped turn out such hits as: School Daze, Do the Right Thing, Mo Betta Blues, Jungle Fever, Malcolm X, Crooklyn and Clockers. Ross went on to produce former Congressman Adam Clayton Powell, Jr.'s story, Keep the Faith Baby for Showtime/Paramount Television. Most recently Ross directed the award winning film, The Opera Game for Ken Mask Studios, and served as producer for Love Dot Come and executive producer for 1 Angry Black Man for Soulidify Productions. He also served as line producer for the Sweet Unknown Studios recent release, River Runs Red, directed by Wes Miller, starring George Lopez, Taye Diggs and John Cusack.
Magaly is a first-generation Haitian-American actress/playwright/ director/producer. She founded Conch Shell Productions to support/showcase new works by Caribbean-American and other artists of the Caribbean diaspora who have an expanded view of reality and a passion for innovative story telling. A native New Yorker, she received a B.A. from Columbia University, an MBA from Binghamton University, and an MFA in Acting from Yale School of Drama. Magaly is a member of SAG/AFTRA, AEA, The Actors Center, The Dramatist Guild, The Actors Studio Playwrights & Directors' Unit. Magaly plays "Antoinette Pierre" in Netflix original series GRAND ARMY. Magaly founded the Conch Shell International Film Festival (CSIFF) to promote short films and screen plays written by artists from the Caribbean and the Caribbean Diaspora. When asked why she created the festival, Magaly states, “Film festivals are a great place to meet like-minded, passionate artists and bond with a community of film lovers who share common interests and tastes. Founding Conch Shell International Film Fest is my way of saying “Welcome. We see you. We honor your brilliance” to talented artists of the Caribbean diaspora and the Caribbean”. She goes on to say, “It’s a means by which to empower, encourage, and celebrate the cultural influences of the 26 Caribbean nations and the creativity of generations of artists. It is a space for us to remind each other our voices are vital and essential.”
Jessica Jolia, widely known for her versatility and five octave vocal range, is an American recording artist, songwriter, producer and humanitarian. Her debut single "Sometimes" was independently released and featured in the critically acclaimed film Sister Code, later appearing on Spotify's "Fresh Finds: Fire Emoji" playlist which highlights some of the platform's biggest songs each year. She has since performed on The Ellen Show and The Late Late Show, and has been featured in The Source, This is RnB, The A&R Report, Rolling Soul Brazil and many other publications around the world. Jessica has had the pleasure of recording, performing and touring with many award-winning artists, including Dr. Dre, T.I., Rita Ora, Meghan Trainor, Iggy Azalea, The Chainsmokers, The Jonas Brothers, Johnny Gill, Eric Benet and many more. She is also the recipient of the 2020 SAMMIES Award for Best Singer/Songwriter, which recognizes Sacramento's biggest and brightest in music.
As an advocate of music education, innovation and entrepreneurship, Jessica proudly serves as founder and owner of Dekada Records, an independent record label, and as a voting member of The Recording Academy. Her commitment to making positive, lasting contributions to her community and abroad has afforded her the opportunity to collaborate with various organizations, including Shriners Hospital, The Endometriosis Foundation of America, NAACP, In A Perfect World, and The American Foundation For Suicide Prevention.
Jessica's recent releases, "On A Break" and "In The Water", quickly attracted the attention of top curators, DJs, and program directors across the country, landing placements on major FM stations, mixtapes, and in Apple Music, Audiomack and SoundCloud editorial playlists. Her latest single, "Hold Me Close", is a feel-good, rhythmic R&B track that comes just in time to set the tone.
With Happy Hearts Pet CareServices, you AND your pet wins! Founded by registered Veterinary Technician, Wayne Hartley Jr. in 2016, HHPCS has become THE go-to for premium pet care and grooming services in and around Atlanta, and the greater Atlanta area. His services are in high demand and include; mobile grooming, pet sitting, dog walking services, training and boarding. They truly live up to their tagline of “quality pet care by quality pet care people. HHPCS has created a simple no hassle way for customers to hop on to https://happyheartspcs.wixsite.com/hhpcs and schedule services. In addition to stellar services, customer service is always a hit. Other customer favorites are the monthly newsletter, and the comprehensive and detailed grooming report card that your pet receives after each grooming. When asked how he knew it was time to step out on faith during a pandemic, he reflectively responds, “My trust, my faith, and my love for the industry gave me the confidence and clarity. I have always known that pet care is my life’s work. My decision to become a full-time entrepreneur has been nothing short of a blessing and I couldn’t imagine doing anything else.” After graduating from Fort Valley State University with a BS in Veterinary Technology, Wayne has worked in various veterinary settings. His vast knowledge and experience come from contributing to multi-specialty emergency pet hospitals and to general practices. His love for animals’ extent far beyond his business. You can find him volunteering at wildlife conservatives, adoption agencies and doggy daycares on any given day. He happens to enjoy people just as much as he also spends time working with Habitat for Humanity and the Boys and Girls Club.
Bronx, NY native and recording artist Quincy Valentine is poised to release his debut EP entitled "Valentine's Day" on the Explore Music Group Label. The project contains five (5) selections, including Quincy's most recent release, "DayDreams," featuring Shamyra.
Musician. Engineer. Producer. Songwriter. Artist. Quincy Valentine has a vast range of talent and versatility. He discovered and pursued his passion for music at the very young age of 9 in the Bronx, New York. Starting with talent shows and school performances, his natural born talent and years of practicing his craft has brought joy and entertainment to hundreds of people across the US.
Quincy has worked with many different artists and warmed the hearts and minds of many through his art. He's progressed to play for various local artists, starting from playing keyboard in churches to big names like Scarface. Quincy has also been a music director for major recording artists, theatre associated with Carnegie Hall Presents, Theater for the New City, and Oberia D. Dempsey Theater.
Renee is a nimble results-driven communications and marketing professional with more than 10 years of experience in performing arts, entertainment and new media. She is a creative storyteller well versed in virtual community management and cultural marketing, with specific attention to tone, messaging and outcomes.
As a Queens, New York native and a graduate of New York University’s McGhee School of Continuing and Professional Studies (SCPS) in Digital Media and Communications, and Tisch School of the Arts in Producing. She was also an inaugural Edward I. Koch Fellow for the Historic House Trust New York’s Lewis H. Latimer House. Renee has also guest lectured at NYU’s Graduate Museum Studies division.
Currently, Renee serves as the Chair of Communications Committee for the Universal Hip Hop Museum. As an influencer it has always been her passion to shape conversations via her work in not for profits whose missions have included children, HIV/AIDS awareness, persons with disabilities and the arts. Adept at utilizing community engagement to amplify the positive impact of technology on a changing multicultural landscape, her goal is to have a positive impact on communities and culture ultimately with the goal of lifting, inspiring and empowering them. Her love of the arts was shaped during her formative years at a time when the arts were funded in NYC’s public schools and as a graduate of the Professional Children’s School founded in 1914, whose credo is ‘to support the arts and to celebrate the mind.”
Monica is a powerhouse vocalist and one of few ‘new school’ class of female vocalists who can capture the definitive essence of traditional gospel and “church” music at its best. MONICA LISA STEVENSON is that vocalist who provides a commanding presentation and a life impacting spiritual encounter through every song she sings.
Monica Lisa has a litany of achievements contributing to her thriving music ministry including three Stellar Award Nominations for Best New Artist and Traditional Female Vocalist of the Year; two Atlanta Gospel Choice Awards for Best Female Artist and Song of the Year. She’s appeared on BET’s Bobby Jones Gospel and in Tyler Perry’s movie Madea’s Big Happy Family and TV series The Have And The Have Nots. She has toured throughout Switzerland and Italy and has sang alongside such greats as Pastor Shirley Caesar, Jason Crabb, Erica Campbell, Pastor Marvin Sapp and Tasha Cobbs.
Her new album KAINOS (The Acoustic Documentary) landed at #18 on Billboard Top Gospel Sales Chart and #8 on the Heatseekers Chart. KAINOS is released by Puretonez Production/eOne Distribution and includes the chart topping hit single “Testimony” featuring Doobie Powell and The Williams Singers.
Monica Lisa enjoys singing before audiences, serving her community, and being the proud mother of five children and dedicated wife to husband Derrick Stevenson, who is also her musical director and producer. Monica Lisa has emerged as a dynamic artist and compassionate philanthropist who inspires something new and refreshing in everyone she touches
Now more than ever independent artists thirst for an opportunity to be heard. Indie Review Radio is the catalyst to do just that. Each week the show will feature the best and greatest in the world of independent musicians artists and seasoned industry professionals. The show will include new music by indies, the latest in industry trends by seasoned industry professionals and a wealth of information for independent artists that are looking for what's next in their careers.
We welcome back to the show Derek Pearson also known as Big D the Weatherman. Big D is quite the established industry executive. Here are some of the activities/accomplishments that he’s been involved with: 2015 Remy Martin NYC Producer Series Judge, Member of Management Team for DJ Kay Slay (Hot 97 Radio, Sirius/XM), Promotions Representative of the Year Nominee -S.I.N. Awards, Member of the Voting Committee for the Global Spin Awards, Derek Jeter “RE2PECT” Campaign Ambassador (with commercial cameo), and 2015 CORE DJ Award for Excellence in Music.
Derek is currently the Sr Director of Promotions & Lifestyle Marketing at RocNation. Big D Creates national radio campaigns for the active artists under the Roc Nation label such as: Buju Banton, The LOX, Snoh Aalegra, and Rapsody. He works closely with the Marketing team on expansive rollout plans to create maximum campaign exposure, has continued integration with the lifestyle outlets to increase awareness on artist visibility, utilizes in-house brands like Paper Planes Clothing and D'usse Cognac to create high level events, and incorporates digital data and analytics to hone in on areas of concentration to continue to target/magnify areas that are doing well or need improvement.
Derek’s key areas of expertise are but not limited to: Securing radio play artists, Networking with radio and entertainment executives on behalf of artist and label, Budget management, Artist development, Leadership and mentoring of staff and Record promotions.
On this episode we will talk about mental health, how to navigate 2021, and some strange happenings already going down this year.
Now more than ever independent artists thirst for an opportunity to be heard. Indie Review Radio is the catalyst to do just that. Each week the show will feature the best and greatest in the world of independent musicians artists and seasoned industry professionals. The show will include new music by indies, the latest in industry trends by seasoned industry professionals and a wealth of information for independent artists that are looking for what's next in their careers.
Jamiyl "Hellz Yea!" Adams was molded by Brooklyn, but the world has become his stage. To date, his noteworthy beats and lyrical craftiness has gotten head nods from many industry notables. For well over 10 years, production and Hip-Hop artistry has been the conduit that has ushered Hellz into life as a bourgeoning business man. One Dynasty Entertainment has fast become a one-stop shop for all artists, new and seasoned. Services include distribution, production, writing and a full studio for recording, mastering and live showcasing. Atlanta has proven to fertile ground as the company continues to grow. Nestled in Atlanta, One Dynasty Studios has proven to be much needed and appreciated. Business has been booming, and clients appreciate the model that eliminates hourly rates and provides full song packages. As his love for lyrics entices him, Hellz often finds himself back in the booth. Most recently he penned a masterful ode to an old favorite from the south titled Moonshine, with Mississippi producer, Avevo. Other recent projects include The Essence, and Last Night at the Dojo. Currently, Hellz is finalizing his much-anticipated album, The Last God and mixing and mastering for some of Atlanta’s finest talent at One Dynasty Studios.
Nestled in the heart of the Historic Village of Stone Mountain you’ll find Sweet Potato Café. The ambiance is just as delightful as the meals and every bite is a perfect blend of seasoning and love. Since 2011 Chef has been crafting her unique, soul fusion, farm to table meals. The fresh vegetables are often times straight from her charming on-site garden. Customers are more than intrigued by it all, they are smitten and often come back for their favorites which include; Fried Green Tomatoes, the fantastic fish on Fried Fish Fridays or the infamous Sunday Brunch.Its popularity and exquisite cuisine have not gone unnoticed. Sweet Potato Café has been awarded the prestigious “100 Plates Locals Love” distinction by Georgia Department of Economic Development’s Tourism Division (GDEcD) for its Fried Green Tomatoes. It was the first restaurant in Stone Mountain to be recognized by Atlanta Eats, as well as highlighted on its website. In addition, Sweet Potato Café has been featured in the AJC as a top five OTP restaurant for its Sunday brunch. Although Chef Karen hails from a family of chefs, it was actually preparing meals for her children that she fell head over heels in love with cooking. So much so, that she went on to receive her culinary training from Atlanta Technical College. Which was followed by five years of perfecting and honing her craft while operating a successful catering business. Chef Karen is a Georgia Grown member and over the years has provided cooking demonstrations at Grady Memorial Hospital for its diabetic patients. She joined First Lady Michelle Obama’s Chefs Move to Schools initiative, working with the Drew Charter School in Atlanta, and volunteered at Project Open Hands. She has also partnered with Atlanta Area Schools for the deaf, providing needed skills to students needed to work in a restaurant environment.
Now more than ever independent artists thirst for an opportunity to be heard. Indie Review Radio is the catalyst to do just that. Each week the show will feature the best and greatest in the world of independent musicians artists and seasoned industry professionals. The show will include new music by indies, the latest in industry trends by seasoned industry professionals and a wealth of information for independent artists that are looking for what's next in their careers.
You may have heard Marley Young being touted by Tech N9ne or maybe you saw the IG video of Nelly rocking out to his break out single ‘Drip Crip God’? Although Marley is no stranger to the game, his burgeoning hip hop career has been on the upswing in recent years. Most noted for is cool demeanor, lack of gimmicks and raw talent, it is no wonder that he has been deemed “next up” by industry hitters. Hailing from Kansas City, Missouri, a young Marley was enamored by the arts and the idea of creativity. Having entered Shakespearian competitions and written scripts could only catapult the then young talent into the stellar artistry that we now witness. His hometown has provided the perfect backdrop for Marley to paint the robust and colorful pictures that so many look forward to through his music, The Marley Experience.Marley Young has been busy. Behind the scenes he has penned for Hip Hop notables, Gucci Mane and Young Bloods. He and his team have launched, HITM Music Group, a Kansas City based label that will nurture and develop local and independent talent. His cup runneth over! His dues in the game have not gone unnoticed. You can catch Marley on the Tech N9ne’s latest album as a feature titled, ‘For Ya Love’. His other break out singles, ‘Makaveli’ and ‘Drip Crip God’ can be found on Spotify and are headed to a stage near you.
Now more than ever independent artists thirst for an opportunity to be heard. Indie Review Radio is the catalyst to do just that. Each week the show will feature the best and greatest in the world of independent musicians artists and seasoned industry professionals. The show will include new music by indies, the latest in industry trends by seasoned industry professionals and a wealth of information for independent artists that are looking for what's next in their careers.
We are joined by Camille Evans of Cinematic Music Group and Michael Rohan of Popular Demand who share their thoughts and memories of legendary music executive Andre Harrell.
As a young Syrian Kurdish refugee washing dishes in a restaurant to support his family, Heval Kelli could not know that many years later he would be a distinguished fellow in cardiology at a university less than one mile from where his journey in the United States began. Facing a steep language learning curve, a monthly rent payment, and mountains of dirty dishes, Heval knew things could be much worse. He and his family fled persecution in Syria where his father was beaten and imprisoned by the police. As members of the Kurdish minority, the family had few choices and paid a smuggler to get them out. His family arrived in Germany in 1996 and lived in refugee camps till 2001. A circuitous route of migration finally brought them to the United States 2 weeks after the 9/11 where they were assisted by members of All Saints’ Episcopal Church in their adjustment and resettlement in Clarkston, Georgia. Through a network of caring community members, Heval was introduced to Dr. Omar Lattouf, an Emory cardiothoracic surgeon who took an interest in mentoring him through his undergraduate pre-med work at Georgia State University and his admission to Morehouse School of Medicine where he graduated cum laude and selected by his classmate as "Most Inspiring Person" award. He finished his internal medicine residency training at Emory University and received recognition as resident of the year as well as honorable distinctions in social and inpatient medicine. Dr. Kelli was awarded the Katz Foundation Fellowship in Preventative Cardiology at Emory University where he completed his cardiology fellowship in 2020. As a result of his life experiences, Dr. Kelli is a steadfast advocate for serving communities in need especially immigrant, refugee and minority communities. He is a co-founder of several non-profit organizations focused on medical mentorship (Young Physician Initiative & U-Beyond) and healthcare outreach.
Having grown up in the city of Newark, NJ, Campbell often explains that her life has been difficult. However, she maintains that the music was always there to help her cope with every hardship. Gail Campbell has a Rock-N-Roll, Blues, Hip hop vibe, and the music, paired with Campbell’s soulful voice, displays a sound that critics are comparing to the likes of such music greats as Tina Turner, Janis Joplin, and even Aretha Franklin. Gail Campbell has recently released her highly anticipated debut album, "BLOODY WATERS." A beautifully heart wrenching, soul redeeming journey through Gail Campbell's heart, and it's also a feast for the ears. With her retro style and deeply personal lyrics, it’s clear that Campbell is an artist with a style all her own.
Chris Walker of Black Nerds Club stops by to talk about the Nerdies. In honor of Black History Month, the Black Nerds Club introduces, The Nerdies. The online award show consists of 28 awards, one for each day of February, that will post on Black Nerds Club’s Instagram page, @blacknerdsclub. The Nerdies celebrate the accomplishments and achievements of black nerds and raises awareness of their contributions to culture and community through their passionate commitment to their nerdy pursuits. This ovation is a tribute to this unique grouping and of their enrollment in black excellence in the areas of music, technology, fashion, the arts and beyond. The world is welcomed to join in this celebration of greatness. Black Nerds’ goal is to ignite a conversation about the powerful role black nerds play in culture and the need for it to be highlighted.
Black Nerds Club provides a space for interaction, conversation, and connection. The community embraces the nerdy side of black culture- smart, intellectually curious, and unabashedly geeky fun.
Tamera Currington never imagined that her desire to create a safe place for women of color around health and wellness would result in such success. Her Vegan Soul Sistuhs Facebook and Instagram groups have exceeded her wildest expectations while creating a platform for growth and discovery. The Facebook group is a dream for anyone that is curious about a vegan, vegetarian, vegan-ish or a plant-based lifestyle. It is ripe with recipes, questions about transitioning to healthier eating, health tips, and is managed by over 100 administrators.
Vegan Soul Sistuhs was founded out of the love for Tamera’s then 20-year-old daughter that was suffering from congestive heart failure. Together they adapted a plant based, vegan diet and the results were astounding. Tamera released 60 pounds and was able to make adjustments to her medication while her overall health increased. Her daughter, after suffering two strokes, was able to double her heart function and was on the mend. She was sure that other could benefit from this information and so began her labor of love.
Two years later, Vegan Soul Sistuhs has grown to over 40,000 members, and continues to thrive. Branded merchandise includes t-shirts, hoodies, bags, and cook books. This year she is planning her first retreat in Jamaica and has launched an additional Facebook group, “VeganSoulsistuhs & the BrothasWhoLove em”, so the men can feel the love too.
A new partnership finds Vegan Soul Sistuhs expanding beyond social media. You can expect to see them in your city soon conducting cooking classes, workshops and other branded events.
Now more than ever independent artists thirst for an opportunity to be heard. Indie Review Radio is the catalyst to do just that. Each week the show will feature the best and greatest in the world of independent musicians artists and seasoned industry professionals. The show will include new music by indies, the latest in industry trends by seasoned industry professionals and a wealth of information for independent artists that are looking for what's next in their careers.
Flourish oils was born out of the desire to develop clean, healthy, pure, natural products which not only make you smell and feel good on the outside, but also help you to nurture your inner-being. Holistic Beauty IS our religion and we are on a constant quest to create products that infuse wellness of mind, body and spirit. At the essence of flourish is a marriage of all the elements that embody what it means to FLOURISH.
Flourish promotes the philosophy that true beauty is a reflection of the internal self. The scented oils were created to not only nourish the skin, but to also compliment the beauty that radiates from within.
Their handcrafted, hand-poured oils contain a handful of all-natural ingredients, such as 100% pure shea butter, sweet almond and jojoba oils, as well as organic essential oils. They do not use synthetic chemicals, chemical preservatives, artificial colors, harsh detergents or any other unhealthy toxins.
Now more than ever independent artists thirst for an opportunity to be heard. Indie Review Radio is the catalyst to do just that. Each week the show will feature the best and greatest in the world of independent musicians artists and seasoned industry professionals. The show will include new music by indies, the latest in industry trends by seasoned industry professionals and a wealth of information for independent artists that are looking for what's next in their careers.
Samuel completed his first book, "Hybrid Executive," [The new Terminology and Responsibilities of today's artists.] In the pages, Samuel expounds on how technology affected various roles in the music industry, what make these roles essential and how these roles interact with each other. Within his discussions of concepts and principles, Samuel also adds his personal experiences, which makes "Hybrid Executive," an exciting and informative read. Samuel considers "Hybrid Executive," a self-empowering manual for today's indie artists. Hybrid Executive is a terminology and title today’s Indie artists can proudly use to define who they are. In this book, Samuel explains why it’s essential for up and coming artists to be familiar with all sectors of the modern music industry [such as management, artist & repertoire. Production, distribution, marketing, and sales, etc.] combined with understanding how each area interacts with the other. Samuel has worked with artists and groups such as B2K, Horace Brown, 112, Courtney Fadlin, His Voice, Lovener Walcott, Aquannette Chinnery, Delroy Souden, Miriam Corlette Williams and Nhojj to mention a few. He has contributed music to T.V. shows - Dr. 90210, The Janice Dickinson Modeling Agency, Property Ladder, How Clean Is Your House, Millionaire Matchmaker, and many others. He has also scored for films such as The Lockdown Club, All I Want, Moving In, Blue Suitcase, The Documentary: On The Road to Love Pain & Redemption and more.
Now more than ever independent artists thirst for an opportunity to be heard. Indie Review Radio is the catalyst to do just that. Each week the show will feature the best and greatest in the world of independent musicians artists and seasoned industry professionals. The show will include new music by indies, the latest in industry trends by seasoned industry professionals and a wealth of information for independent artists that are looking for what's next in their careers.
Now more than ever independent artists thirst for an opportunity to be heard. Indie Review Radio is the catalyst to do just that. Each week the show will feature the best and greatest in the world of independent musicians artists and seasoned industry professionals. The show will include new music by indies, the latest in industry trends by seasoned industry professionals and a wealth of information for independent artists that are looking for what's next in their careers.
Born and raised in Woodbridge, New Jersey, Ali Caldwell is a thrilling independent artist with dynamic vocals and a contemporary R&B sound that invokes a sense of nostalgia. Growing up, she was an eclectic lover of music, citing influences of Brandy, Pink, Celine Dion, Yolanda Adams, and Beyonce. Ali has provided supporting vocals for Christina Aguilera on tour for her record breaking performance to 250,000 fans in Rabat, Morocco. She has also shared the stage with the likes of Ariana Grande, Stevie Wonder, and Kevin Ross among many others. Ali was a Semi-Finalist on Season 11 of NBC's The Voice as the last standing member of Team Miley Cyrus. Ali now continues to make a name for herself in the entertainment industry, traveling the world and headlining her own tours in Europe. Ali will be joined by Divinity Roxx and heading up the east coast for their Color Art Tour. AliKats, as Ali affectionately refers to her fans, are in for a real treat as the powerhouse vocalist and electrifying bass guitarist Divinity Roxx host an intimate gathering that offers guests an up close and personal evening with these twin talents. Starting late August, the tour will be making stops in Atlanta, GA, Charlotte, NC, Philadelphia, PA and Washington, DC and more. Additional dates are still being added. While Ali is known for her awe inspiring and dynamic performances on both The Voice and The Four, Divinity is remembered for her compelling performances for President Barack Obama, The Grammy’s, and her appointment as Beyonce’s bass player and assistant Musical Director. An equal admiration brought the two together and they are equally as excited to invite their fans to join them for this evening of excellence. Both having toured heavily around the globe, they saw it fitting to share more of themselves with the their fans and loved ones in the United States.
Jaz-O has been a mainstay in the music industry for over 30 years. The Marcy Houses, Brooklyn born and raised rap legend has initiated the careers of Jay-Z, Irv Gotti, Sauce Money, The Lox, Chad Elliott, and Memphis Bleek to name a few. Recalling his first rhyme at the age of 14, he had co-written and produced his first record, "HP Gets Busy" at the age of 21. This song featured his 16 year old “partner in crime”, Jay-Z and friends, Easy LD (E. Ward) and Almond Joy (J. Ward). In 1986 Jaz-O teamed up with music producer Fresh Gordon to create the answer to RUN DMC's "My Adidas" with "My Fila". The young songwriter-MC/producer continued his reign of terror in the streets, destroying challengers in MC battles local and abroad. In 1989 Jaz-O blasted onto the mainstream media with his debut single, "Hawaiian Sophie", and a debut feature on The O'Jays number one single "Have You Had Your Love Today?” Jaz-O was the first rap artist ever signed to EMI Records. He released two albums and an EP from 1989-1991. Along with Prince Paul, The Large Professor, and Mark The 45 King, Jaz produced several records for his projects. After taking a hiatus in 1992, Jaz-O re-emerged in ‘96 producing the Jay-Z classic "Ain't No Nigga”. Jaz continued his string of production classics for Jay-Z including "In My Lifetime-The Big Jaz Remix", "Rap Game-Crack Game", and featured on Jay-Z cuts "Bring It On" and "Nigga Who? Nigga What?” Producer of the demo that landed The Lox their deal with Bad Boy, Jaz-O has arranged for the likes of Puffy, Rakim, M.O.P., Foxy Brown, Queen Latifah, Kool G Rap and numerous others. But Jaz is most well known for his 'triplet style' of rhyming, which he is majestically titled "The Originator".
Derrick Muhammad native from Youngstown, Oh, is independent film producer and recently became Vice President of Programming for the all new Jam Network. As a touring stand up comedian Derrick has performed on the college circuit and comedy clubs in the Midwest, Los Angeles and Atlanta. Derrick also starred in the award winning indie suspense thriller; The Buyout,: "American Pimp- Rosebudd and Insecurity.with appearing on television, commercials and theater. In 2017 Derrick Produced, co wrote, directed and co starred with R&B legend Karyn White “Gale & Storm streaming on Amazon Prime worldwide. He has developed several projects in various stages of development for Karyn White Entertainment and his production company Mecca Don Films. Derrick is a visionary filmmaker who mission is to change the negative image of black people globally through film, television, literature, music and comedy. “ If you do nothing, nothing will happen.”
Now more than ever independent artists thirst for an opportunity to be heard. Indie Review Radio is the catalyst to do just that. Each week the show will feature the best and greatest in the world of independent musicians artists and seasoned industry professionals. The show will include new music by indies, the latest in industry trends by seasoned industry professionals and a wealth of information for independent artists that are looking for what's next in their careers.
Joy is the owner of Be The Difference Clothing, an author, and talk show host. The company was established in August of 2014 with designs or sayings created to inspire and encourage the wearer and those who see the designs. Some designs are inspired by personal experiences and others from situations seen or heard. Joy decided to make t-shirts while driving home from an event after seeing someone stuck on the corner. After driving by she thought of no longer being the passerby. She battled fear of being rejected to create the Addiction Kills The Family shirt to launch the company. The company has many discussion pieces and light hearted playful themes that can appeal to any age, race or understanding.
Joy expanded the company by doing presentations and workshops in order to have people fully understand the power each design. The company's mission is to encourage, inspire and uplift those who wear and see our clothing. Most designs are discussion topics, such as social awareness and health themes. Every shirt is custom printed by a BTDLLC team member. Joy hopes for lives to change, sparks to be lit, hearts to remember or believe in love. Last but not least, each person applying what was shared.
Deidre Rowell created and manifested Though My Dreams Productions, LLC. Through doubt and fear she stood on faith and perseverance and fed her inspirations to write plays and television shows. She continues to inspire many to believe in themselves even when she had difficulty believing in herself. Through her creativity she continues to create a platform that is inclusive for other creatives from all walks of life. Deidre's latest work: "A woman's Worth," is a spectacular gospel stage play that she wrote and directed. It tells the story of three sisters raised by grandma. One found her way, one finally let go and the other was the glue that kept the family together. Even Jesus knew, with the names Faith, Blessed and Heaven one was bound to raise hell.
California native Jordan E Bryant-Smallwood is the Ambassador of Evolve Sports 365 and Founder of Fit-365 (Performace and Nutrition). He is the oldest of 4 in which are all student-athletes. Jordan studied Business and Communications at the University of Oklahoma where he played football as a wide receiver. While attending OU Jordan received two honor awards ( The highest a student-athlete could receive). Prentice Gautt Outstanding Athlete Award (This award is given to a student-athlete who best exemplifies the high standards set by the university’s first African-American scholarship athlete. The student recognized for the award demonstrates excellence in academics, leadership, sportsmanship and athletic ability)
The Done Key Award (The highest honor an OU football player can receive while playing for the Sooners. It goes to the player who best exemplifies the many superior qualities of Key, both on the field and in the classroom). Now an NFL rookie, Jordan is seeking to make a difference as a professional athlete. His ability to lead and be a team player is something Jordan is truly blessed to do.
Shannon B Mason is the Founder and CEO of ML5 Global Consulting LLC and various subsidiaries. As a recent newlywed, author of The Process, a student of collegiate sports management and architectural engineering studies, in addition to being a wife to music composer/motivational speaker Gene Mason, she is also the mother of an NFL rookie and his 4 younger student/athlete siblings ( that she affectionately calls her budding queen and 4 young kings). While juggling her personal life and running her various companies, Shannon is also nurturing a career as a radio host of the online talk show ”Let’s Go There” (on Storm Talk 365), executive producer of the talk show “The Conversation Room”, and as a motivational speaker (putting her skills of guiding people down the right path to use). “I can’t” isn’t in her vocabulary, and setting the bar high for herself is the norm. She possesses an “it” factor that captivates audiences of all ages while simultaneously stimulating their intellect.
Jordan E Bryant-Smallwood is the Ambassador of Evolve Sports 365 and Founder of Fit-365 (Performace and Nutrition). He is the oldest of 4 in which are all student-athletes. Jordan studied Business and Communications at the University of Oklahoma where he played football as a wide receiver. While attending OU Jordan received two honor awards.Prentice Gautt Outstanding Athlete Award recognizes the student who demonstrates excellence in academics, leadership, sportsmanship and athletic ability. The Done Key Award goes to the player who best exemplifies the many superior qualities of Key, both on the field and in the classroom). Now an NFL rookie, Jordan is seeking to make a difference as a professional athlete. His ability to lead and be a team player is something Jordan is truly blessed to do.
Multi Platinum Producer and Legend Self Service joins us. With the ability to take his interpretation of sound and create a masterpiece, you have encountered a true craftsman in the world of music. Providing hits for JAY-Z, DMX, JA RULE, DIPSET, MUSIQ SOUL CHILD just to name a few. Self works in his field with a passion and desire second to none which has made him one of the most sought after producers of his era. Supplying the entertainment industry with some of the best music of our time, Self has collectively earned over 20 platinum records along with 20+ years of experience in the music industry. Self has now brought his talents to the world of film and television combining his production experience with sound design and film scoring to create new innovative content to the world. Self is going to speak on the exclusive Indie Review Live! a platform that provides a prime opportunity for artists of all genres to share their music and art form on camera. Each artist can present their art, their way. Each performance will be streamed on ELPD TVs life stream and artists may have the opportunity to be aired on ELPD’s Amazon Prime channel. This content can be used by artists for promotional use. The tapings will take place in Atlanta, Georgia and New York, New York.
Now more than ever independent artists thirst for an opportunity to be heard. Indie Review Radio is the catalyst to do just that. Each week the show will feature the best and greatest in the world of independent musicians artists and seasoned industry professionals. The show will include new music by indies, the latest in industry trends by seasoned industry professionals and a wealth of information for independent artists that are looking for what's next in their careers.
On this show, our last of 2018. We will take a look and countdown our favorite and most impactful indie artist of the year. Some of which we've had on the program. You don't want to miss this one.
Now more than ever independent artists thirst for an opportunity to be heard. Indie Review Radio is the catalyst to do just that. Each week the show will feature the best and greatest in the world of independent musicians artists and seasoned industry professionals. The show will include new music by indies, the latest in industry trends by seasoned industry professionals and a wealth of information for independent artists that are looking for what's next in their careers.
The Intelligent Seedz Documentary Filmmaking Bootcamp is a 12- week, HANDS ON, youth media program that guides students through every stage of documentary film production from concept to finished project.
It supports and trains young filmmakers who will revolutionize the quality and integrity of future multi-media entertainment by using their talents to promote the greater social good. The program equips young creatives with the specialized skills they need to produce high quality short form digital content, by teaching them the technical and creative aspects of digital filmmaking and media production. From their first day, students are immersed in the world of film production. They're giving scholarships to 12 deserving youth filmmakers but NEED YOUR HELP TO MAKE IT HAPPEN! Currently the program is running a campaign to Help raise 5k on Facebook in the next TWO WEEKS for the upcoming program taking place in NEW ORLEANS this January 2019!
Yvette is a writer, director, producer and voice actor based out of Brooklyn, New York, originally from Wilmington, Delaware. She's worked in the fashion industry for many years, but film is her passion. Yvette recently produced, starred, and served as a costume designer for Harlem Love, which features Sonia Sanchez as the poet and voice for the film. Yvette has studied Acting, Screenwriting and Directing Actors with The Independent Film School, Fiction writing with Gotham Writers and Screenwriting with Women on Writing. Yvette is a member of Women in Film LA and New York Women in Film and Television. Her latest work the script, "DON’T FORGET TO BREATHE," will mark her debut as a screenwriter and director. It is the story of a failed emergency evacuation that leaves two dedicated research scientists trapped in their laboratory with a deadly airborne virus that will rapidly deteriorate their brain’s activity. Remembering one simple thing will determine their survival.
Chief Ayanda Clarke is an African American master percussionist, GRAMMY® Award-winning musician, arts educator, and lecturer. He’s been performing professionally since he was five and has performed or shared the stage with some of the world’s most revered percussionists and most loved artists, including the late Randy Weston, George Clinton, Erykah Badu, M’bemba Bangoura, and Somi. A glance at some of his performing credits in the United States include Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Radio City Music Hall, Michael Jackson: 30th Anniversary Celebration at Madison Square Garden, The Late Show with David Letterman, Good Morning America, America’s Got Talent, the U.S. Open, Sesame Street, and many other places. He’s also recorded and licensed music that has been featured on FOX’s So You Think You Can Dance. In 2014, Chief Ayanda was a featured percussionist on the title track of Arturo O’Farrill and the Afro-Latin Jazz Orchestra’s major work, The Offense of the Drum. The project won a GRAMMY® Award that year: Best Latin Jazz Album. His talents have led him to perform or record with Chief Bey, Orlando Rios, Randy Weston, Batoto Yetu, The Amistad Project, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Forces of Nature, Asase Yaa African American Dance Theater, pop artist Jewel, and many others. A business owner who is passionate about community wellness and development, Chief Ayanda founded THE FADARA GROUP LLC. By intertwining music, culture, and spirituality, the business organization serves the wholistic needs of its constituents. Through Palms Down, a percussion ensemble, he’s performed and co-produced music that was licensed for Elysium, the feature film starring Matt Damon and Jodi Foster. In 2016, sponsored by his mentor Chief Agbongbon Fakayode Faniyi, Ayanda Clarke was installed as a chief in Osogbo (Nigeria), presented as Chief Ayanda Ifadara Clarke, Ajibilu Awo of Osogbo.
Gabrielle Stewart is a 24 year old singer/songwriter from Michigan. She was raised in a small town Clinton Township just off of the Great Lakes about 40 minutes outside of Detroit. Gabrielle started singing at the age of 3 and started writing her own songs at age 11. Since then, she's been putting all that she has behind her biggest dream to hopefully get discovered, move out of Michigan, and start a new chapter in life. The journey continues with her latest single "7 Seasons." Gabrielle wants to be a star for all seasons.
Women’s business author, 25 year entertainment industry veteran and beauty enthusiast Thembisa S. Mshaka will join us to speak on #LipGame LIVE. An intimate ticketed event where beauty meets business. An evening of net-worthing.The exclusive monthly afterwork experience will provide dynamic career women with a place to connect, get answers to burning beauty questions from professional makeup artists and estheticians, and unwind with unlimited champagne. LipGame LIVE is produced by Royal Life Entities, a music, multimedia an lifestyle event company and Mshaka’s creative content company Mshaka Media, LLC. The host for the kickoff event is Akim Vann, owner of The Bakery on Bergen. This dynamic businesswoman embodies the best of beauty and business.
For 16 years, The Pocono Mountains Film Festival has been exhibiting the work of up-and-coming screenwriters and filmmakers Film Producers, Directors, Actor’s & Actresses. The PMFF is based in Tannersville, Pennsylvania. The film festival is dedicated to creating a beneficial platform for artists in the film industry and we are driven and passionate about assisting them with sharing their creative works to a large audience. The objectives and goals are to increase self-esteem and positive role models through the vehicle of films. Provide life choices with a vision on how to secure a viable socioeconomic status via the “American Dream.” The goals are to remove the uninvited stereotypes that enter our homes and lives through various media outlets. They offer film workshops spearheaded by named professionals in the industry. Each year, the Pocono Mountains Film Festival honors the iconic and creative genius in the entertainment industry, affording aspiring filmmakers the opportunity to network with the best of the best in the industry.
Hasan Harris a.k.a Hocus 45th was born in Harlem and raised in the Bronx. Hocus’ love affair started at the early age of 8. Introduced to the art by his father, Hocus 45th use to rap to his father who told him that he was going to make it big one day. Tragically, his father who was his hero, mentor and best friend died from a heart attack when Hocus was only 12-years-old; leaving behind 8 sons and 2 daughters. Devastated by his father’s death, but still dedicated to the art form, Hocus 45th hit the streets looking for that connection he once shared with his dad. Unfortunately, as with many fatherless young boys, the streets got to him first. As a young teen, Hocus 45th started to sell drugs (crack cocaine) in the ‘hood. And when he was 17, he joined a gang known as SEX MONEY MURDER which would later haunt him in ways he could not have imagined. While doing his thing in the streets, Hocus 45th caught a couple of court cases ranging from attempted murder, direct sales and gun possession. Luckily for him, he either found his way around those charges or ended up doing little jail time. When he wasn’t dealing drugs, he would join cyphers in the streets and perfect his skills. By know he was getting noticed for his flow. In 2008, along with his friend P.O., they started a movement called Bang Bang Boogie which consisted of rappers Cuban Link, Lord Tariq, Mysonne, his brother S-1 and himself. Heavily cosigned by 50 cent and promoted by G-Unit, the movement was on its’ way to success.But little did he know his past would catch up with him. After being incarcerated for 4 years on Rikers island, facing life in prison, Hocus 45th would finally have his day in court. He was found NOT GUILTY on all charges. While in jail he began to read books on health/nutrition and decided to become a vegan. Hocus now goes to schools and group homes to talk to kids about health, gang violence and his life in hopes to help others.
On this episode, Raychelle is on site live at a pop up shop in downtown Atlanta with vendors displaying products from health care, skin care, food, clothing, electronics, and more. As you know, we celebrate independent everything on this program so today we put the spotlight on independent business owners and entrepreneurs selling dynamic goods and services.
A dynamic and powerful virtuoso with a soothing touch, Ali Caldwell's voice is as thrilling as it is comforting. This is modern R&B music that inspires a sense of nostalgia. With whispers that climb into full-throttle belting and back, Ali delivers emotional swings that pick you up, spin you around, plant you firmly back on your feet --- and then repeat, with ease. Jazzy notes and meandering harmonies punctuate her work, and her church-gospel background fuels pop sensibilities that provide intensity, conviction, control, and polish. Fresh off of Headlining her 6th International European Tour encompassing 6 countries as an independent artist, Singer-songwriter Ali Caldwell may be well on her way to accomplishing her dreams. Ali recently dominated on Season 11 of NBC’s The Voice. She garnered an impressive 4 chair turn in her audition, choosing Miley Cyrus as her coach and as the last standing member of Miley Cyrus’ Team she tackled every genre of music making every song selection her own while bringing the house down consistently every show. Ali was also featured on BET Centric TV’s Black Music Month series as 1 of 4 Independent Black Women in Music to watch. She is currently pacing to become the breakout artist on Fox Network’s New Show “The Four”, Season 2 (with Celebrity Panel consisting of P.Diddy, DJ Khaled & Mehgan Trainor. Ali attributes her successes to being consistent and persistent and by not letting anyone or anything define her. She believes it when she says “Always dare to be different”. She recently released her new Single entitled “To Be Loved” off of her highly anticipated album Entitled “88” which is due late 2018!
Once in a millennium rapper, lyricist Napoleon Da Legend is a Paris-born, East African (Comoros) and Washington DC-raised, Brooklyn-based artist uses his voice as weapon of hope, social-critique, conquest and joy. N.D.L.’s innovative short-film “Wise Men” featuring the late great Sean Price quickly became a cult hit among Hip-Hop heads with its overt challenge of the music industry establishment. Following the release on his "Steal This Mixtape" series in 2016, Napoleon Da Legend has been touring in the US and in Europe. He has been featured on Statik Selektah's Show Off Radio show, Tony Touch's Toca Tuesdays, DJ Eclipse's Rap Is Outta Control and Sway in the Morning. N.D.L. later performed two shows on Center Stage at his first ever Essence Festival 2017 and was featured on the Recording Academy website and Revolt TV among others. In June 2017 he was invited to perform his buzz-hit "Black Privilege" on the Fox 5 News' Good Day DC program. He would then rock the stage at the prestigious Rocksteady 40th Anniversary on SummerStage in Central Park alongside of Mobb Deep and DJ Premier, as well as 2017 Bastille Day in Manhattan. In 2018, he released “Tupacrypha”, a full-length Tupac Shakur (RIP) homage, "Brooklyn To Mulhouse" EP, on French Label Media-pop, "Path of a Warrior" album on UK label, Chopped Herring Records, "Steal This Mixtape 3", followed by Afrobeat, Dancehall and Hip-Hop album “Afrostreet” and recently “Steal This Mixtape 4”. His mix of social commentary with introspective sensibilities paint a unique story seldom told in rap music making him poised to be placed among the most highly regarded names in Hip-Hop.
From plays and stand-up routines in front of his elementary school classmates; talent shows and statewide art competitions in middle school; to TV productions, and professional modeling gigs in high school and college, Stephen has always been a man of artistic expression. Upon graduating with honors in mass media/broadcasting from Hampton University, he began his professional career as a copier salesman in his native New York City. After a few years of door to door sales for Xerox Corp. by day and intense acting classes with famed coach Susan Batson by night, he received the fearful news that his mother had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Witnessing her fatal bout with the debilitating disease at the young age of 61 was the catalyst that thrust Stephen back into the artistic world. Having raised five children, the youngest of whom with Downs Syndrome, his mother never got the opportunity to fully express herself creatively. Armed with the memory of his mother, the blessing of his father, and the support of his tribe, Stephen soon left behind the perks of a steady paycheck, healthcare, and printing free headshots and scripts, to pursue acting full-time. After years of student/indie films, plays, film festival circuits, and continued study he developed a hard-earned reputation for solid work in drama, comedy, voice-over, and commercials #ByIndieMeansNecessary. His dedication has filled his resume with Law & Order SVU, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Political Animals, Blue Bloods, Boardwalk Empire, HBO’s Lewis & Clark, Luke Cage, among others. Most recently: Steve McQueen’s feature film Widows, Terence Nance's HBO series Random Acts of Flyness, Manhood (The National Black Theater), and the Cary Fukunaga helmed Netflix series Maniac. Follow Stephen's social media accounts for postings of his most recent work as Theodore TC Calvin in the 2018 reboot of Magnum P.I.
Now more than ever independent artists thirst for an opportunity to be heard. Indie Review Radio is the catalyst to do just that. Each week the show will feature the best and greatest in the world of independent musicians artists and seasoned industry professionals. The show will include new music by indies, the latest in industry trends by seasoned industry professionals and a wealth of information for independent artists that are looking for what's next in their careers.
Now more than ever independent artists thirst for an opportunity to be heard. Indie Review Radio is the catalyst to do just that. Each week the show will feature the best and greatest in the world of independent musicians artists and seasoned industry professionals. The show will include new music by indies, the latest in industry trends by seasoned industry professionals and a wealth of information for independent artists that are looking for what's next in their careers.
Money Mike Willis of Hope Day out against crime on JUNE 16TH will join us to Start Breaking The Cycle Of Violence TOGETHER. He will speak on this event which aims to encourage character building, inspire families, influence the community to tap into their own talents, bring awareness to local family health, change the cycle of illiteracy, fund after school programs, restore jobs for the homeless and decrease crime among other things. The event will be held at BENN'S GROCERY STORE, 6445 ISADORE ST. in New Orleans with LIVE PERFORMANCES BY: @iamcasme,@Yahjahsings, @_Thetrio3, @4Luckylou, @officialtlyons, @So_Mimely, @Teamnowater According to Mike, “The keys to improving our lives and our communities, is to establish pride in higher education and crime prevention in our cities and states.” We Can Come Together To "Break The Cycle Of Violence."
EVIE RHODES was born in Newark, New Jersey. She authored the critically acclaimed novel, Expired. Black Issues Book Review called Rhodes a master writer, gifted and skillful. Romantic Times Book Review said her work holds the reader’s attention as if the pages are magnetized. Evie is now taking her first step into theater with the workshop production of her stage play, Looking Through the Stained Glass Window. It is a witty and illuminating coming-of-age story about Crystal Waterman a forgotten, Black, female voice in 1992 during the AIDS epidemic. The explosive portrayal explores the cyclical effects of trauma and addiction through reflection and humor in the middle of Harlem’s Hip Hop era. Evie Rhodes is a Social Activist at heart, and her many works speak to her love of humanity.
Melody Wilson hails from Fairmont, North Carolina. Having been molested and raped by her biological father at the age of 13 years old, her life went completely wayward for 20 years until she started her recovery at the age of 33. Since then she has been successfully doing her own recovery for the past 12 years. In the process she has obtained her BS in Psychology, MA in Professional Counseling, and currently in a doctoral program. She has a video on YouTube that has spawned her movement in the eradication of sexual violation called “He was my dad. He was my first. R@pe Culture hurts.” In the process of completing her studies she has used her skills of life coaching and counseling to help people from all over the world; women, men, and children who contact her based on her video. She has an online survivor’s group with 800 people. She has created her a jumpstart to recovery psychoeducational class, which has helped many as well. She has appeared on two television shows, The Rock Newman Show a Howard University affiliate out of Washington, DC, and a German television show called TaffTV. She has appeared on various radio programs including hosting one of her own and she has done numerous public speaking engagements. She has also performed with several bands as their front singer from as far north as Massachusetts, and as far south as Georgia. She has worked with prominent artists alongside them as writer, and background singer. Her primary mission and purpose is to serve God and his people in whatever capacity he/she would have her do it. Her force is simply love.
Now more than ever independent artists thirst for an opportunity to be heard. Indie Review Radio is the catalyst to do just that. Each week the show will feature the best and greatest in the world of independent musicians artists and seasoned industry professionals. The show will include new music by indies, the latest in industry trends by seasoned industry professionals and a wealth of information for independent artists that are looking for what's next in their careers.
Now more than ever independent artists thirst for an opportunity to be heard. Indie Review Radio is the catalyst to do just that. Each week the show will feature the best and greatest in the world of independent musicians artists and seasoned industry professionals. The show will include new music by indies, the latest in industry trends by seasoned industry professionals and a wealth of information for independent artists that are looking for what's next in their careers.
Now more than ever independent artists thirst for an opportunity to be heard. Indie Review Radio is the catalyst to do just that. Each week the show will feature the best and greatest in the world of independent musicians artists and seasoned industry professionals. The show will include new music by indies, the latest in industry trends by seasoned industry professionals and a wealth of information for independent artists that are looking for what's next in their careers.
Sylvana Barfield is a multi-faceted entrepreneur with three businesses geared towards building up the whole person. These include Grace Waters, LLC (Motivational Speaking/Writing), Fit Bodies Nutrition and Fitness, LLC, and Simply Elegant by Paparazzi Jewelry. She handles all three businesses in addition to working a full-time job, maintaining a happy marriage, and engaging in church activities. It is her life's goal to inspire, encourage, motivate, uplift, and push others into the pursuit of their passions and dreams while living her own.
Originally hailing from the coveted Fordham section of the New York City borough, The Bronx, Inf was
destined to be a hip-hop ambassador from early on. Upon hearing his very first rap record, it was most
definitely a “love at first listen” situation for Inf. At the time when hip-hop was still young, fresh and new,
Inf began to try his hand at DJing. Initially, he began by blending his father’s Soul records with hip-hop
instrumentals purchased from the local record stores. That was how his pocket change would become
familiar with being spent. With his mixes becoming more familiar around the borough, Inf acquired a
strong neighborhood following. With this growing demand, Inf’s freestyle mixes suddenly became valued
and highly requested. Remaining true and loyal to the Music Game, Inf vowed to bring fun and quality music back from an overly-saturated medium that is smeared in “poli-tricks”. Inf returned to the roots from which he had
steadily blossomed, and hosted a series of Mixtapes with M.O.P. entitled, “All Out War”. Armed with an ar my of musical arsenal,manned with faithful music vets that he had accumulated along the way, Inf found himself fully locked andloaded with a dope collection of exclusive, unreleased material. Now that Inf was equipped with the experience and exposure he needed to take his craft up to the nextlevel, now came the heavy task of maintaining a “fan first” mentality, especially during his numerousinterviews and Press Junkets. Presently, Big Inf has released his second album project, New Industry. This dope effort boasts incredible flow and symmetry, and has been well-rounded throughout with features and “collabos” fromsuch notables as, Ali Vegas, Chris Rivers (Big Pun’s Son), Roc Nation’s UFO Fev, Smif N’ Wessun,Cristion Dior, to name a few.
Marcus Dawson, singer/songwriter, Pastor and entrepreneur, is a Georgia native visionary whose objective is to display God’s love and mercy with the world through music and ministry. Coming from a lineage of pastors, Marcus would soon accept the call to establish his own church as founder and Pastor of Called To Worship Church International located in Thomson G.A. Working as minister and praise team leader at the Martin Tabernacle Free Church of God in Christ at the age of 15 gave Marcus great insight and practicality of what it would take to cultivate his pastoral anointing as well as his musical craft. As Pastor, his revelatory teachings and his creative approach to preaching has deemed him one of the most trend-setting, diverse pastors of Thomson G.A. Some of Marcus’ greatest accomplishments include performing at the James Brown Music Festival, participating in T.D Jakes Mega Fest and sharing the stage with Clifton Davis of the classic sitcom Amen. He has teamed up and collaborated with the likes of Canton Jones, Deborah Killings, Joanne Rosario, Antonio Neal, Ashmont Hill, Jonathan Phillips, L.G Wise, Darlene McCoy, James Fortune, Dwayne Woods, Earnest Pughe, Wes Morgan, and Karima Kibble of Virtue. He has shared the stage with Grammy Award winning artists such as, Tasha Cobbs, Pastor William Murphy, Stellar-Award winning Pastor Kim Burrell, chart topping Ms. Kierra “Kiki” Sheard, and has participated in two events with Mali Music. Marcus has also been featured on the “United We Stand” compilation album for the movie Segregated Sunday and also appears in the gospel video King which has been aired on BET and the Word Network. It has been both an honor and privilege for Marcus to be nominated for the 2011 Gospel Choice Awards as New Gospel Artist as well as the 2014 Praise Factor Awards as Praise and Worship Artist, Solo Artist and Rhythm and Praise Solo Artist.
Janice Brantle is originally from Omaha, Nebraska and currently residing in Atlanta, GA. She currently hold a Master in Arts in Leadership Organization through Bellevue University in Bellevue, Nebraska. She truly believes that writing is her passion and helping other’s through her writing her mission. She was a featured author in Surfacing an anthology dedicated to the survivors of Hurricane Katrina. She finished her first novel; From the Brink of Insanity Comes the Light in 2008. She published her 2nd novel, The Forgotten A Love Story in 2012. Her 3rd novel, Angel’s War the first novel in the series was published in 2015. She has a poetry book “Some Love Some Pain Some Loss Some Gain” published in 2016. Recently, she released an EBook: So, You Finished your Masterpiece – Now What? A Guide to Self-publishing on a Budget, 2017. She also writes a blog spot called “The Whine/Wine Blog. She is currently writing the 2nd book in the Angel’s War series and the long anticipated sequel to The Forgotten A Love Story.
Antigone Locklear
With a distain for corporate, Antigone started her company almost 1 year ago. Being driven by her fearless and creative spirit, she started her company and not looked back. Having previously worked in both the furniture industry and education, she believes in multiple steams of income. When asked what advice she would with others that are looking to start a business, she would respond, “Be consistent & do what you enjoy.” Antigone is no stranger to hard work and her resilience and creativity are evident when looking at her amazing crafts and glasses that she creates. Whether it is a home party, corporate gathering or pop-up shop, we can always find the most beautiful and creative pieces in her midst.
Marcus Dawson, singer/songwriter, Pastor and entrepreneur, is a Georgia native visionary whose objective is to display God’s love and mercy with the world through music and ministry. Coming from a lineage of pastors, Marcus would soon accept the call to establish his own church as founder and Pastor of Called To Worship Church International located in Thomson G.A. Working as minister and praise team leader at the Martin Tabernacle Free Church of God in Christ at the age of 15 gave Marcus great insight and practicality of what it would take to cultivate his pastoral anointing as well as his musical craft. As Pastor, his revelatory teachings and his creative approach to preaching has deemed him one of the most trend-setting, diverse pastors of Thomson G.A. Some of Marcus’ greatest accomplishments include performing at the James Brown Music Festival, participating in T.D Jakes Mega Fest and sharing the stage with Clifton Davis of the classic sitcom Amen. He has teamed up and collaborated with the likes of Canton Jones, Deborah Killings, Joanne Rosario, Antonio Neal, Ashmont Hill, Jonathan Phillips, L.G Wise, Darlene McCoy, James Fortune, Dwayne Woods, Earnest Pughe, Wes Morgan, and Karima Kibble of Virtue. He has shared the stage with Grammy Award winning artists such as, Tasha Cobbs, Pastor William Murphy, Stellar-Award winning Pastor Kim Burrell, chart topping Ms. Kierra “Kiki” Sheard, and has participated in two events with Mali Music. Marcus has also been featured on the “United We Stand” compilation album for the movie Segregated Sunday and also appears in the gospel video King which has been aired on BET and the Word Network. It has been both an honor and privilege for Marcus to be nominated for the 2011 Gospel Choice Awards as New Gospel Artist as well as the 2014 Praise Factor Awards as Praise and Worship Artist, Solo Artist and Rhythm and Praise Solo Artist.
From policing to periods, retired NYPD Sergeant Val Carey found a need to educate her daughters on menstrual wellness. She believes periods are much more than about hygiene, but more about well being, healthy choices and a positive mindset towards menstruation. Val is a native Brooklynite, married with 3 daughters. Time of the Month (TOTM!) is committed to provide tween and teen girls, and women happier, healthier monthly period experiences through education, workshops and sustainable products. Val has added a new app to fortify the TOTM! Movement.
Known by her stage name "Shonnie" Murrell, LaShonda Antrionette Harris was born in Jonesboro, Louisiana and raised in Houston, Texas. She has been singing and playing instruments since the age of 3. Shonnie graduated from Sharpstown High School and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management from Grambling State University. Shonnie can contribute her showmanship on percussion to her years she spent marching in the Grambling State World Famed Tiger Marching band. She also held the highest position in the band as “Master Drill Sgt.” and was one of the main reality personalities on the hit BET show, “Season of the Tiger”. From this she landed a spot on 106 and Park, BET Awards and other television appearances. The Shonnie Murrell Experience, which she names when performing with her full rhythm section and band, loves to give her fans the greatest performance on earth. Shonnie believes that her energy and engaging the audience are two key elements that are important to accomplish this feat! She is most of the time compared to Sheila E., Erykah Badu, and Missy Elliot because of her ability to mix her sound, lyrical and visual poetry all together. Some notables that Shonnie has performed with and opened for include: Most recent, LEELA JAMES, MAJOR., RICK ROSS, LIL WAYNE, SNOOP DOGG, LETOYA LUCKETT, the late great AL JARREAU and FRANK MCCOMBS, to name a few. Her performances have taken her from LA to NY over her short career before landing her back into Houston to help Title1 schools upstart their music programs with her partnership with Microsoft. From this, her new reality show pilot was birthed and is currently on the tables of some major networks.
Everybody knows how hot it gets in the South. Direct your heat meter to the fire at the bottom of the map, “FLA,” The Sunshine State, Pensacola to be exact. Out from the fiery haze walks new contender for the title of heir to the throne, Peppaboy Trill McCoy. When it comes to Southern Hip Hop and Production, he is as hot as they come. The highly anticipated release of his new album, Still Coastin, and chart topping single, She’s The One, featuring Bobby V, secures the throne and adds fire to the flame. Still Coastin is the epitome of the Colacoast sound. This musical mastery is the golden ticket into the life and times of Pepp, “I talk about everything from pretty weather, good cooking, and turf riding, to the real reason my state is shaped like a gun, he shares. He goes on to say, I’m a true sportsman, so I rhyme my words in a sporty, freestyle manner.” It’s no wonder that for his production he is known as Da Gumbo Kooker. He has branded the Colacoast sound with a new, original, full- flavored recipe that is as thick as roux and infused with spicy notes of various styles. With his degree in Petroleum Technology he is a seasoned businessman, and these chops are on full display as the distinguished CEO of Colacoast Entertainment LLC. His robust roster is full of artists, producers, musicians, and entertainers that extents south of the equator with Paulo Cesar Carvajal Galvez aka Paul C, a singer, and songwriter from South America. Looking forward, his 2018 release of a blues compilation features various artists and features soul collaborations such as Shairblliss, Raven Salve, Brandon Powell and many more. And stay tuned as Peppaboy and his crew tour to a juke joint near you.
Ann Ruff is a Colorado Native who was an avid athlete throughout High School. After experiencing life's trials and tribulations that caused her to gain an excessive amount of weight she rediscovered her passion for fitness after she started training with one of her business partners. Cycling was part of her workout regimen and swiftly become her passion. The music, the movements, it's easy on the joints, the camaraderie, it was nothing short of amazing but best of all it works. She started out at 370lbs and lost 75lbs cycling and lifting. Soon after by putting their heads together and compiling their knowledge of fitness cycle élan was born. Ann now teaches 4 classes a week and serves as the company's Sales and Customer Experience Manager.
Born into a family of talented singers, Di’ta has carried the torch in a way that has continued to make her family proud. Hailing from Rochester, New York, she continues to be a long time hometown favorite. Her vocal and theatrical talent has been a catalyst for her to perform on stages all across the globe. Having toured for 15 years, she has performed with notables such as Yolanda Adams, Kim Burrell, Melba Moore, and many more. Her vocal and creative range makes it difficult to put her into any one box. Although she would not classify herself in anyone genre, she is known most for her rich vocal tones that are a blend of jazz, gospel R&B and soul. She is not your average vocalist. Just as strong as her vocal muscle are her gifts in writing and acting. The real definition of a “triple threat”. She can and has done it all and continues to sharpen and hone her crafts as the welcoming platforms for this rare talent get bigger and bigger. Currently you can hear her spreading Christmas cheer across the airwaves with the release of her EP, Holiday. It is a perfect bland of your favorite seasonal tunes and boasts of her rich tones and vocal highs and lows. Next up for Di’ta Monique is her new single Anybody, a rich and soulful call to action that enrolls others to be a contribution in the world.
Jazmyn Alexis is an RnB singer/songwriter originally from Cincinnati, Ohio. Jazmyn moved to Chicago in 2012 to pursue both higher education and her music career. Throughout her college career Jazmyn experimented with choirs, bands and different sounds which motivates her appreciation for all styles of music, which she incorporates in her songwriting process. Jazmyn’s first love is 90s and early 2000s RnB. Her first debut project CHEESECAKE was release July 17, 2017 which goes through a storyline of different emotions and situations within her previous relationship. She named her project CHEESECAKE because it was one of the sweeter things in life… and it’s also a treat that her Ex disliked (Yes!, Jazmyn is low key petty). Although Jazmyn is very unique, she is admired for her natural abilities to really captivate her audience with both her crisp sound and her lyrical expression. Jazmyn’s ultimate goal is to “reach the masses and sell out hella shows!”
Born in the Brownsville section of Brooklyn in the late seventies Lyonel “Kay-Kay” Rosemond was exposed at an early age to a cultural melting pot that would eventually shape his view of life. He fondly remembers being enamored with the soul singers of the 70’s, which included Marvin Gaye, Al Green and Otis Redding. At an early age he decided that he would pursue a career as an artist for his favorite comic book company, Marvel Comics. Lyonel soon enrolled in a school for cartoon illustration and shortly after began receiving requests from friends who needed logos for the companies many of them hoped to form. In 1994, however Lyonel began to see his career path change course after he was contacted by his Uncle Jimmy Henchman Rosemond who was already well known in music industry circles, and was about to start his own management company. It was at this time that Lyonel realized that the music business was in fact business first, and he began to actively increase his contacts by making a conscious attempt to mingle with those that would become his peers. His hard work paid off, when in Kedar he was offered a job to work in the A&R department at the historic record label Motown. Since joining the Motown family Lyonel has worked with a bevy of artists including Erykah Badu, Chico DeBarge, Lil’ Wayne, The Tempttations and R&B crooner Joe. He feels that his work with Badu was the most special because of the authentic approach she took to developing her music.
Pierre Evans is an author, speaker and trainer. He is making a big impact on the youth with his unique approach and delivery of real life issues. With a significant social media presence, his message is traveling fast and there is no sign of slowing. Due to his lack of education, and his unwillingness to follow rules, many counted him out. For Pierre, it was just one more thing for him to overcome. He learned that being the under dog is a huge advantage. It allowed him to study the top. Using his personal experiences, he is able to pass on the tools that continue to help him reach new levels of success. As a high school drop-out , Pierre, to many, is not the smartest, but his determination and hustle is hard to argue. After seventeen years he went back to get his GED and now he’s taking the country by storm. He has been privileged to be mentored by one of the greatest motivational speakers in the world, Eric Thomas of Eric Thomas and Associates, LLC and the president of the company, CJ Quinney. As CEO of his consulting firm, Re-Empower, LLC. Pierre is expanding his reach from schools and youth programs in Arizona all the way to the east coast.
Aurelia is the creator of The Village Mirror Etiquette Program which is a youth mentoring program designed to help youth for today’s modern world, by creating confidence through etiquette skills. The focus is on table etiquette, social etiquette and self-care fundamentals. Also joining the program is Dwayne Adams Sr. of Breaking Barriers Fitness Center. Dwayne often donates his facility to help the youth in the community.
An accomplished visual artist, Chris has worked for Marvel and DC comics and illustrated Ghostface Killa’s graphic novel Cell Block Z. He has created artwork for Sony Pictures, Adidas, and Virgin Records, and has also worked with talents such as P-Diddy, Eminem, and KRS-1. A storyteller at heart, his independent film projects have been featured on MTV Geek and Wired.com. Chris works as a creative developing campaigns for brands such as AT&T, McDonald’s, MillerCoors, and Honda Currently, Chris is launching his new digital comic, Relic, which tells the story of two African-American brothers who develop supernatural powers from an ancient family heirloom, which tears them apart. The story tells the struggle of the lust for more power, but also the ability to help their family be whole again.
Davina Oriakhi is a dynamic and multi-talented British Nigerian artiste, poet and performer. Her Debut single "Content", an Afro Fusion happiness anthem produced by Nonso Amadi was released in August 2014. Davina was born in London, England, but later moved to her country of origin, Nigeria, and lived most of her formative years in the capital city of Abuja. After the release of her Debut Single, she moved back to her birth city, and completed her Masters Degree in Media and Communications. Now she is working on her Debut LP. Davina's sound dallies from Afro Soul to Reggae, Neo-Soul to New Jazz and the fusions in between which will be conspicuously evident in her Debut LP, "Beloved", to be released mid 2017. Davina in her early stages of music and dance was heavily inspired by Beyonce and Michael Jackson. In the search of her own sound, Davina grew to love and draws inspiration from artists such as Lauryn Hill, Erykah Badu, Sade, Alicia Keys, Nina Simone, Esperanza Spalding, Nneka, and Asa. Davina received 3 nominations and her first musical award in August 2016 for Choice Female Artist at the 5th Annual Nigerian Teens Choice Awards. Her lyrical prowess has been celebrated across continents having performed at the Roundhouse in London to being featured on songs by other Nigerian artists such as Muyiwa Akhigbe and Likkle iMG.
Now more than ever independent artists thirst for an opportunity to be heard. Indie Review Radio is the catalyst to do just that. Each week the show will feature the best and greatest in the world of independent musicians artists and seasoned industry professionals. The show will include new music by indies, the latest in industry trends by seasoned industry professionals and a wealth of information for independent artists that are looking for what's next in their careers.
From a young age, Tanoka has been a die hard basketball fan, and throughout his career has thought of ways to remain close to the game after his playing career would end. Global Precision Sports is the best scenario to do just that. Tanoka’s brainchild for some time, this company will give otherwise overlooked athletes an alternative opportunity to jumpstart their respective professional basketball careers. Although he has successfully chosen to follow his dream into professional sports, he has always wanted to have a hand in helping young players make their dream of playing professional basketball become a reality. During his professional sports career Tanoka has enjoyed unparalleled success as one of the most powerfully gifted, and skilled American players to ever play in Europe as his historical accolades will attest. In his 16 seasons Tanoka was voted to 14 all-star games, won 7 MVP awards as well as 7 championships in various leagues for his teams. Tanoka played in Italy (1yr.), France (1yr.) Turkey (2yrs.) Spain (6yrs.), and 6 seasons In Lithuania. All of this travelling has its advantages, Tanoka has made great contacts throughout the world that will serve his future endeavors well. He is respected by fans and basketball executives throughout Europe thanks to his tireless work ethic and desire to put it on the line for a win. Tanoka's desire to be the best at whatever he focuses on, his work ethic and most importantly his faith in God have been the key ingredients to his success as an athlete and at finally seizing his lifelong dream by creating and launching his own product. He has dedicated himself to making Maji:Premium Sports Fuel a household name and the go to product for health conscious athletes and exercise enthusiasts. Maji is a diabetic friendly sports beverage that utilizes rare ingredients to create the product that industry leaders intended but largely failed to create.
Erika J. Kendrick is an acclaimed author, national speaker, and mental fitness junkie. She earned a psychology degree from Stanford University and an MBA in marketing and international business from the University of Illinois. Erika was an NBA cheerleader for the Chicago Bulls before writing her novel, Confessions of a Rookie Cheerleader (Random House, 2007). She penned Appetite (Random House, 2009), and The Accidental Escort (Cleis Press, 2010) shortly after. The celebrated author is currently finishing her memoir and touring nationally. While at Stanford, Erika was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder and acute Clinical Depression. She was immediately admitted into the psychiatric ward and placed under suicide watch. She now makes it her mission to be a servant to the human community. Erika tours the country speaking and guest lecturing at colleges and universities as well as national sororities, middle and high schools, and organizations, large and small. Erika launched her latest Mental Fitness tour, “Who Moved My Happy?”, where she shares her story of suicide survival, “Erika Ever After”, and inspires HOPE by creating safe spaces for life-saving conversations. Erika uses her Mental Fitness Boot Camp to help people get back into the game of life and win! Erika is also an advocate for authors and literary equality. She founded Publishing Prep™, a comprehensive literary learning curriculum designed to assist the aspiring author as they navigate the publishing landscape. She is a recipient of several “Who’s Who” honors, a Rising Icon honor, Awards of Excellence, and a lifetime member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. She’s been featured in several publications, including Page Six of The New York Post, The Chicago Tribune, and various magazines and digital media.
Now more than ever independent artists thirst for an opportunity to be heard. Indie Review Radio is the catalyst to do just that. Each week the show will feature the best and greatest in the world of independent musicians artists and seasoned industry professionals. The show will include new music by indies, the latest in industry trends by seasoned industry professionals and a wealth of information for independent artists that are looking for what's next in their careers.
Now more than ever independent artists thirst for an opportunity to be heard. Indie Review Radio is the catalyst to do just that. Each week the show will feature the best and greatest in the world of independent musicians artists and seasoned industry professionals. The show will include new music by indies, the latest in industry trends by seasoned industry professionals and a wealth of information for independent artists that are looking for what's next in their careers.
Now more than ever independent artists thirst for an opportunity to be heard. Indie Review Radio is the catalyst to do just that. Each week the show will feature the best and greatest in the world of independent musicians artists and seasoned industry professionals. The show will include new music by indies, the latest in industry trends by seasoned industry professionals and a wealth of information for independent artists that are looking for what's next in their careers.
Now more than ever independent artists thirst for an opportunity to be heard. Indie Review Radio is the catalyst to do just that. Each week the show will feature the best and greatest in the world of independent musicians artists and seasoned industry professionals. The show will include new music by indies, the latest in industry trends by seasoned industry professionals and a wealth of information for independent artists that are looking for what's next in their careers.
Now more than ever independent artists thirst for an opportunity to be heard. Indie Review Radio is the catalyst to do just that. Each week the show will feature the best and greatest in the world of independent musicians artists and seasoned industry professionals. The show will include new music by indies, the latest in industry trends by seasoned industry professionals and a wealth of information for independent artists that are looking for what's next in their careers.
Mecca Alim is a Bronx-based artist whose current body of work concentrates on characters in a world free from every form of bigotry and discrimination that impact the societies we live in. She has exhibited her art in galleries and establishments such as The Holy Apostles Gallery in Chelsea, Patria NJ in New Jersey, Backstreet Gallery in New Rochelle, Greenpoint Gallery in Brooklyn, The Harlem School of The Arts, and more. Mecca graduated summa cum laude from The College of Westchester before transferring to The College of New Rochelle, where she presented the solo thesis exhibition. She is experienced with traditional media such as drawing and painting, and with digital media and computer programs. Mecca currently is a teaching artist at the Harlem School of the Arts. Her artworks are composed of characters personally created. They are all placed in a multicultural universe where “body-shaming,” racism, sexism, homophobia, xenophobia, and other forms of bigotry do not exist. These works are a response to the social issues that continue to plague the world that we live in. Mecca categorizes herself as a cartoonist who delves into a world of fantasy; her personal form of escapism. While she realizes that we may never reach a utopia in which people will respect others regardless of their race, gender, or physical shape, Mecca can at least express these ideals through her work.
Tonight SAN DIEGO!!!IT'S ABOUT TO GO DOWN!!SATURDAY, APRIL 22, 2017 San Diego's FIRST ever WEST COAST HIP HOP CYPHER!! Performances by sum of Daygo's ...HOTTEST Artists, nd a cypher wit the DOPEST lyrical emcees..Doors open at 7pm, show starts 930p!!!...SO COME OUT ND SUPPORT UR LOCAL ARTISTS, njoy sum great food nd support the hustle nd grind of the local vendors nd booths in attendance!! TICKETS ARE STILL AVAILABLE!!! $20 in ADVANCE, $25 at THE DOOR...HMU FOR MORE INFO!!!!
SPREAD THE WORD ND LET'S PUT DAYGO ON THE MAP!!!
Now more than ever independent artists thirst for an opportunity to be heard. Indie Review Radio is the catalyst to do just that. Each week the show will feature the best and greatest in the world of independent musicians artists and seasoned industry professionals. The show will include new music by indies, the latest in industry trends by seasoned industry professionals and a wealth of information for independent artists that are looking for what's next in their careers.
She goes by the sobriquet Nadira Norjahan, which is defined as a rare light of the world. Nadira is a singer, songwriter and poet presenting her brand of music to those willing to listen. Soul, jazz, blues and inspirational music are the main genres for this powered high-energy soprano vocalist. Songwriting and poetry is where Nadira brings the story of real life experiences to the forefront, so that music and poetry lovers can’t help but relate to the pains, the joys and really feeling her message. Nadira, a native of West Philly, knew from an early age that she wanted to be a singer. She sang in various choirs, took part in talent events (church, high school and local) and performed her poetry, developing her skills, stage presence and vocal delivery over several years. Her influences – Whitney Houston, Jill Scott, India Arie and Stevie Wonder. Nadira is energetic and does dynamic performances whenever she takes the stage. Her recent performances and appearances include Tobago Jazz Fest 2016, The Queen [World Cafe Live in Wilmington], Richard Raw Week - Summer of 2016, Smooches Magazine Launch, taking the stage at the 3rd Annual Liberty Music Fest, Unclaimed Bands, Power 99 Showcase at First District Plaza, Lady B’s Basement Party Radio (Poetry Edition), and Lyrically Fit Philly.
Todd Jones aka the Donutologist is no stranger to the donut world. With over 40 years experience in the donut business, the Donutologist is well known for his tasty mini donut treats all over the world. His Sweet Dreams catering company and Cuzins Duzins bakery has provided delicious mini gourmet donuts for high profile clients such as Google, Twitter and the Hard Rock Cafe.
Continuing the journey, The Donutologist has made his way to Atlanta, GA pursing the dream of building a billion dollar global company. His Partner and Sales Manager, Easy Glazed of Sweet Dreams Mini Donuts will continue to run operations in NYC as The Donutologist begins to sweep the south by storm..
Mike Troy Smith is born in Brooklyn, New York. Mike is by far one of the most versatile comedians, not to mention a worldwide entertainer. Mike has performed stand-up comedy in England, Alaska, Germany, Japan, Italy, and is the only American comedian that hosts a European Comedy Tour “Da Bounce Comedy Tour” in Holland. He also hosts a Caribbean tour in Freeport, Bahamas. Mike has recently performed in Haiti for “Stand Up in Haiti”. In the States, he’s been seen on two seasons of the “Dave Chappelle Show”, “The Dave Attel Show”, and the “Jon Stewart Show”. He also appeared on NBC’s “Showtime at the Apollo”, HBO’s “Def Comedy Jam”, MTV’s “Snaps”, VH1’s ‘Hard Rock Live”, and Fox’s “Uptown Comedy Club”. Mike’s television appearances also include Bounce TV’s “Off the Chain”, recurring roles on ABC’s “One Life to Live” and NBC’s “Law and Order”. He has done several commercials, including Lugz Urban Gear, Sprite, Heineken, McDonalds and Burger King. Mike has shared the comedy stage with Russell Peters, Steve Harvey, Kevin Hart, Tracy Morgan, Sinbad, Wanda Sykes and the late great George Carlin. This global comedian is known to have audiences bent over in laughter from cruise lines to New York City’s “Caroline’s on Broadway”. Mike’s comedic versatility works everywhere, from the pulpit to international opera houses. Just wait until you hear his unique perspective on women after growing up surrounded by 7 females. Mike has also opened for several R&B and Rock performers. A graduate of Shaw University in Raleigh North Carolina, Mike is a humble comedian and his greatest passion and joy is making people laugh. However, his most important audience is his family.
Imagine this: One day you’re voice is completely gone! All of the studying, practicing, learning - how does this make sense in a life dedicated to music? Was it all for nothing? That’s what singer B~Free faced in the fall of 2013 when pneumonia and a throat infection left her unable to speak - let alone sing - for three months. Vocal cord surgery followed, leaving the musician fearing she would never sing again. After a traumatic year when she couldn’t sing a single note, she became more determined than ever to share her musical gifts. The year-long struggle transformed B~Free as both an artist and an individual. Now she’s back with the anticipated release of her sophomore album “Ode 2 A Luv Affair,” largely featuring production and performance by the artist herself. “No More,” the leading single and video from the project, portrays B~Free as a vibrant young woman escaping the bonds of an abusive relationship. The dark nature of domestic abuse is transmuted into a declaration of freedom and hope through B-Free’s heartfelt lyrics and powerful vocals. With the nostalgic presence of R&B/Soul, the richness of her training and purity of her voice, B-Free’s multiple talents as a Singer-Songwriter-Producer-Musician are bound to make a mark on the music industry. Armed with a B.A. in Music Performance and a Masters degree in Music Education, her main purpose is to share her gift with the world. She's performed in a number of venues throughout the country, including Summerfest, the Kennedy Center, The Double Door, and The Shrine. B~Free has also shared stages with artists such as Slum Village, Dwele, BJ The Chicago Kid, and Talib Kweli. In her hometown of Milwaukee, B~Free is lead vocalist of the popular group Foreign Goods and collaborates often with lyricist-producer Klassik, bringing her commitment to music into her own community.
Now more than ever independent artists thirst for an opportunity to be heard. Indie Review Radio is the catalyst to do just that. Each week the show will feature the best and greatest in the world of independent musicians artists and seasoned industry professionals. The show will include new music by indies, the latest in industry trends by seasoned industry professionals and a wealth of information for independent artists that are looking for what's next in their careers.
Now more than ever independent artists thirst for an opportunity to be heard. Indie Review Radio is the catalyst to do just that. Each week the show will feature the best and greatest in the world of independent musicians artists and seasoned industry professionals. The show will include new music by indies, the latest in industry trends by seasoned industry professionals and a wealth of information for independent artists that are looking for what's next in their careers.
Now more than ever independent artists thirst for an opportunity to be heard. Indie Review Radio is the catalyst to do just that. Each week the show will feature the best and greatest in the world of independent musicians artists and seasoned industry professionals. The show will include new music by indies, the latest in industry trends by seasoned industry professionals and a wealth of information for independent artists that are looking for what's next in their careers.
Now more than ever independent artists thirst for an opportunity to be heard. Indie Review Radio is the catalyst to do just that. Each week the show will feature the best and greatest in the world of independent musicians artists and seasoned industry professionals. The show will include new music by indies, the latest in industry trends by seasoned industry professionals and a wealth of information for independent artists that are looking for what's next in their careers.
Now more than ever independent artists thirst for an opportunity to be heard. Indie Review Radio is the catalyst to do just that. Each week the show will feature the best and greatest in the world of independent musicians artists and seasoned industry professionals. The show will include new music by indies, the latest in industry trends by seasoned industry professionals and a wealth of information for independent artists that are looking for what's next in their careers.
Now more than ever independent artists thirst for an opportunity to be heard. Indie Review Radio is the catalyst to do just that. Each week the show will feature the best and greatest in the world of independent musicians artists and seasoned industry professionals. The show will include new music by indies, the latest in industry trends by seasoned industry professionals and a wealth of information for independent artists that are looking for what's next in their careers.
Now more than ever independent artists thirst for an opportunity to be heard. Indie Review Radio is the catalyst to do just that. Each week the show will feature the best and greatest in the world of independent musicians artists and seasoned industry professionals. The show will include new music by indies, the latest in industry trends by seasoned industry professionals and a wealth of information for independent artists that are looking for what's next in their careers.
Now more than ever independent artists thirst for an opportunity to be heard. Indie Review Radio is the catalyst to do just that. Each week the show will feature the best and greatest in the world of independent musicians artists and seasoned industry professionals. The show will include new music by indies, the latest in industry trends by seasoned industry professionals and a wealth of information for independent artists that are looking for what's next in their careers.
Now more than ever independent artists thirst for an opportunity to be heard. Indie Review Radio is the catalyst to do just that. Each week the show will feature the best and greatest in the world of independent musicians artists and seasoned industry professionals. The show will include new music by indies, the latest in industry trends by seasoned industry professionals and a wealth of information for independent artists that are looking for what's next in their careers.
Now more than ever independent artists thirst for an opportunity to be heard. Indie Review Radio is the catalyst to do just that. Each week the show will feature the best and greatest in the world of independent musicians artists and seasoned industry professionals. The show will include new music by indies, the latest in industry trends by seasoned industry professionals and a wealth of information for independent artists that are looking for what's next in their careers.
Now more than ever independent artists thirst for an opportunity to be heard. Indie Review Radio is the catalyst to do just that. Each week the show will feature the best and greatest in the world of independent musicians artists and seasoned industry professionals. The show will include new music by indies, the latest in industry trends by seasoned industry professionals and a wealth of information for independent artists that are looking for what's next in their careers.
Johnny Popcorn is a five member rock band which features vocals from Hezekiah and Jani Coral. Initially, Johnny Popcorn was founded by producer/bassist Tone Whitfield (Me’shell Ndegeocello and Zap Mama) and songwriter/emcee/producer Hezekiah (Rawkus Records) after several late nights working on R&B artist Bilal’s album. Their early works were pet studio projects released causally to music fans at live shows and digital downloads. Hezekiah feeling stagnant in hip hop started to devote more time to Johnny Popcorn. Hezekiah started to recruit musicians to form a touring band which included guitarist Lloyd Alexander. The band solidified when Virginia native Jani Coral added her raspy like vocals to the band. Now with an innovated sound and direction, Johnny Popcorn continues to ignite live shows and record emotional driven songs. Johnny Popcorn has opened for Bilal, Mos Def, Talib Kweli, RJD2, Robert Glasper Experiment, Oddisee, Ladi6, and Kindred & the Family Soul.
Johnny Popcorn is a five member rock band which features vocals from Hezekiah and Jani Coral. Initially, Johnny Popcorn was founded by producer/bassist Tone Whitfield (Me’shell Ndegeocello and Zap Mama) and songwriter/emcee/producer Hezekiah (Rawkus Records) after several late nights working on R&B artist Bilal’s album. Their early works were pet studio projects released causally to music fans at live shows and digital downloads. Hezekiah feeling stagnant in hip hop started to devote more time to Johnny Popcorn. Hezekiah started to recruit musicians to form a touring band which included guitarist Lloyd Alexander. The band solidified when Virginia native Jani Coral added her raspy like vocals to the band. Now with an innovated sound and direction, Johnny Popcorn continues to ignite live shows and record emotional driven songs. Johnny Popcorn has opened for Bilal, Mos Def, Talib Kweli, RJD2, Robert Glasper Experiment, Oddisee, Ladi6, and Kindred & the Family Soul.
Vocal DIVA Storm Marrero is a singer/songwriter in motion. Born in Brooklyn, she moved to Puerto Rico and stayed in the island for 16 years where she developed her voice. Now she resides in the Bronx, brewing lyrics and melodies with a voice that matches the name. She’s a classically trained Brooklyn Bombshell with roots in Soul, R&B and Latin music. Her unique vocals are the product of study of soprano and tenor singers alike. Her skills landed her an opportunity to work on Off-Broadway productions with the late Titus Walker and The Ujamma Black Theater. She even had the opportunity to sing for and honor American Idol winner/R&B phenom Fantasia. She recently put out a new EP, entitled ‘Black Gypsy’ on iTunes & Amazon, and is currently the most sought-after singer in the New York City Burlesque scene. It’s no surprise that on a given night, you can find this Sultry Songstress performing at well-known venues such as (le) Poisson Rouge, Duane Park, Camaradas El Barrio, C'mon Everybody and many more. She’s dedicated to bringing back the classic vibes of R&B grooves with herunique brand of Storm-iness. It has to be heard to be understood.
Vocal DIVA Storm Marrero is a singer/songwriter in motion. Born in Brooklyn, she moved to Puerto Rico and stayed in the island for 16 years where she developed her voice. Now she resides in the Bronx, brewing lyrics and melodies with a voice that matches the name. She’s a classically trained Brooklyn Bombshell with roots in Soul, R&B and Latin music. Her unique vocals are the product of study of soprano and tenor singers alike. Her skills landed her an opportunity to work on Off-Broadway productions with the late Titus Walker and The Ujamma Black Theater. She even had the opportunity to sing for and honor American Idol winner/R&B phenom Fantasia. She recently put out a new EP, entitled ‘Black Gypsy’ on iTunes & Amazon, and is currently the most sought-after singer in the New York City Burlesque scene. It’s no surprise that on a given night, you can find this Sultry Songstress performing at well-known venues such as (le) Poisson Rouge, Duane Park, Camaradas El Barrio, C'mon Everybody and many more. She’s dedicated to bringing back the classic vibes of R&B grooves with herunique brand of Storm-iness. It has to be heard to be understood.
Patrice Peters joins us from Cosmic Energy Fitness Studio. The studio has introduced Pound ® Fitness to its roster of classes. Pound ® is the world’s first cardio jam session inspired by the fun of playing the drums. The class allows participants from all fitness levels to become one with the music using an array of modifiable Pilates, yoga and core exercises. The benefits of Pound ® include burning up to 900 calories per session, improved endurance, coordination, speed and rhythm, strengthening of connective tissue and increased higher-level learning while boosting the immune system. The lightweight Ripstix ® are designed specifically for the Pound ® workout and intensifies each Pound ® position with peripheral resistance that works the entire body with a focus on shoulders, triceps, forearms, mid-section and back. The workout is safe and welcomes men and women of all ages. Cosmic Energy Fitness Studio ushers its members into the first step of mind and body transformation. Their dedicated instructors meet each unique individual where they are, to accompany them through every phase of their wellness journey. Cosmic Energy Fitness Studio offers a variety of traditional and new age fitness exercises alongside multiple genres of dance for all ages. Each class and interaction is designed to ignite the power within.
Toni is an international champion of hip-hop culture, known for the irresistible, contagious energy of her performances and for her alluring female presence. An award-winning artist, her steadfast work and commitment to hip-hop led the U.S. Department of State to select her to work as the first ever hip-hop artist to work as an American Cultural Specialist. She has already served in Senegal, Ghana, Botswana, and Swaziland where her residencies include performance, workshops, and lectures on hip hop music and culture. She recently toured Southeast Asia with Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Musical Ambassador program and has shared the stage with the likes of Erykah Badu, Mos Def, The Roots, Wu Tang Clan, GURU, Bahamadia, Boot Camp Clic, Me’Shell NdegeoCello, Sarah McLachlan, Sheryl Crow, Jill Sobule and even Rickie Lee Jones. Her first book, Inner-Course was released in 2003 (Villard/Random House). Toni has performed in Eve Ensler’s V-Day Festival, the DODGE Poetry Festival, in Spain at the Barcelona World Social Forum, featured in the CUTTING EDGE Festival in Darmstadt, Germany, featured at SENERAP International Hip Hop Festival in Dakar and toured South Africa as a headliner on the URBAN VOICES Festival alongside the legendary Linton Kwesi Johnson. Toni has collaborated with a host of highly esteemed musicians including Craig Harris, James “Blood” Ulmer, Vernon Reid, Jay Rodriguez and master kora players Papa Susso and Yacouba. She continues to work with artists from around the world. She has been listed in ESSENCE Magazine’s listing of “30 Women to Watch,” featured in SAVOY Magazine, Newsweek Japan, The Washington Post, and in The New York Times. NHK-Global Japan Television produced a full-length documentary on her work with hip-hop airing it to 11 million viewers on national TV in Japan. She and her work have been highlighted on BET, as well as on FOX News and VH1, featured in UPSCALE, and VIBE.
She is the reigning Queen of Haitian Song: a captivating performer, versatile vocalist and one of the premier Haitian songwriters of her generation. She has recorded and appeared on concert stages throughout the Caribbean, Europe, and North & South America for over 20 years. Singing both in French and Haitian Creole, her nine albums have catapulted her to international acclaim. Emeline Michel is beloved by Haitians for combining traditional rhythms with social, political and inspirational content. She is a member of a unique generation of Haitian musicians that emerged in the late 1980’s and also includes guitarist/vocalist Beethova Obas and the bands Boukman Eksperyans and Boukan Guinen. This wave of artists emphasized complex themes, conscious lyrics, and a broad palette of musical styles, including the native Haitian compas, twoubadou and rara. Born in Gonaives, Haiti, her first experience in music was singing gospel music at the local church. After completing her education, Emeline accepted an opportunity to study at the Detroit Jazz Center and returned to Haiti as a professional musician. Emeline soon released her first album Douvanjou ka leve that featured the hit "Plezi Mize" (Pleasure in Misery) written by Beethova Obas. Relocating to France, she became a leading musical icon, performing at venues such as the Jazz Festival of Nice and Theatre de la Ville, making numerous appearances on French television and gracing the covers of many music and culture magazines.From her new base in France, Emeline’s work quickly spread throughout the French-speaking world, including Belgium, Africa, the French Antilles, French Guiana, Québec, as well as Chile and Japan. After being signed with record labels in France, Canada and the U.S., Emeline formed her own production company in 1999 to gain full control of her career.
She is the reigning Queen of Haitian Song: a captivating performer, versatile vocalist and one of the premier Haitian songwriters of her generation. She has recorded and appeared on concert stages throughout the Caribbean, Europe, and North & South America for over 20 years. Singing both in French and Haitian Creole, her nine albums have catapulted her to international acclaim. Emeline Michel is beloved by Haitians for combining traditional rhythms with social, political and inspirational content. She is a member of a unique generation of Haitian musicians that emerged in the late 1980’s and also includes guitarist/vocalist Beethova Obas and the bands Boukman Eksperyans and Boukan Guinen. This wave of artists emphasized complex themes, conscious lyrics, and a broad palette of musical styles, including the native Haitian compas, twoubadou and rara. Born in Gonaives, Haiti, her first experience in music was singing gospel music at the local church. After completing her education, Emeline accepted an opportunity to study at the Detroit Jazz Center and returned to Haiti as a professional musician. Emeline soon released her first album Douvanjou ka leve that featured the hit "Plezi Mize" (Pleasure in Misery) written by Beethova Obas. Relocating to France, she became a leading musical icon, performing at venues such as the Jazz Festival of Nice and Theatre de la Ville, making numerous appearances on French television and gracing the covers of many music and culture magazines.From her new base in France, Emeline’s work quickly spread throughout the French-speaking world, including Belgium, Africa, the French Antilles, French Guiana, Québec, as well as Chile and Japan. After being signed with record labels in France, Canada and the U.S., Emeline formed her own production company in 1999 to gain full control of her career.
Now more than ever independent artists thirst for an opportunity to be heard. Indie Review Radio is the catalyst to do just that. Each week the show will feature the best and greatest in the world of independent musicians artists and seasoned industry professionals. The show will include new music by indies, the latest in industry trends by seasoned industry professionals and a wealth of information for independent artists that are looking for what's next in their careers.
Project Thank You President Obama launched nationally via inboxes and social media platforms. Between May 1, 2016 and January 11, 2017, the letter will be available through Change.org. The letter and signatures will be sent to the White House in January 2017. The mission of Project Thank You President Obama is twofold the first objective is to provide a platform to thank the President for the transformative work he has done for our nation. The second is to create a landscape for his legacy to live on. The project is being spearheaded by former educator, Dr. Flora Miller. She has been on the front lines of civil rights sit-ins, she is a retired professor from John Jay College of Criminal Justice, and developing the youth of her communities has always been her passion. Dr. Miller reached out to a group of socially active and aware women that share her passion for the community to form the Project Thank You President Obama campaign. Aurelia Lyles, Raychelle LeBlanc and Kim A. Williams Esq., came to the realization that the Obama Administration would soon be departing the White House and wanted to share the opportunity to say Thank You to his family and his administration. They are also launching an annual honorary award to an organization or individual that has uniquely contributed to the advancement of bridging communities and cultures within the United States of America. The award is called the “Architects of a Culture.” Other opportunities to support the campaign, as outlined on http://www.projectthankyoupresidentobama.com are the up and coming Architects of a Culture Awards and the sales of President Barack Obama T-Shirts to support the President’s Non-Profit organization. The committee is currently accepting submission for the design of the T-Shirt.
Project Thank You President Obama launched nationally via inboxes and social media platforms. Between May 1, 2016 and January 11, 2017, the letter will be available through Change.org. The letter and signatures will be sent to the White House in January 2017. The mission of Project Thank You President Obama is twofold the first objective is to provide a platform to thank the President for the transformative work he has done for our nation. The second is to create a landscape for his legacy to live on. The project is being spearheaded by former educator, Dr. Flora Miller. She has been on the front lines of civil rights sit-ins, she is a retired professor from John Jay College of Criminal Justice, and developing the youth of her communities has always been her passion. Dr. Miller reached out to a group of socially active and aware women that share her passion for the community to form the Project Thank You President Obama campaign. Aurelia Lyles, Raychelle LeBlanc and Kim A. Williams Esq., came to the realization that the Obama Administration would soon be departing the White House and wanted to share the opportunity to say Thank You to his family and his administration. They are also launching an annual honorary award to an organization or individual that has uniquely contributed to the advancement of bridging communities and cultures within the United States of America. The award is called the “Architects of a Culture.” Other opportunities to support the campaign, as outlined on http://www.projectthankyoupresidentobama.com are the up and coming Architects of a Culture Awards and the sales of President Barack Obama T-Shirts to support the President’s Non-Profit organization. The committee is currently accepting submission for the design of the T-Shirt.
Roger is business professional, consultant, author, and proud Dad. He is also a stroke survivor that spurred his book, “Time is money, no, Time is the Brain.” The book is part of a study that centers around personal strategy he thought needed to be shared. Roger will join us to talk about his sudden stroke, treatment, rehabilitation, and impact it had on his family. In addition, his book acts as a preventative guide to stroke detailing what it is, how to recognize it, and why it happens.
Project Thank You President Obama launched nationally via inboxes and social media platforms. Between May 1, 2016 and January 11, 2017, the letter will be available through Change.org. The letter and signatures will be sent to the White House in January 2017. The mission of Project Thank You President Obama is twofold the first objective is to provide a platform to thank the President for the transformative work he has done for our nation. The second is to create a landscape for his legacy to live on. The project is being spearheaded by former educator, Dr. Flora Miller. She has been on the front lines of civil rights sit-ins, she is a retired professor from John Jay College of Criminal Justice, and developing the youth of her communities has always been her passion. Dr. Miller reached out to a group of socially active and aware women that share her passion for the community to form the Project Thank You President Obama campaign. Aurelia Lyles, Raychelle LeBlanc and Kim A. Williams Esq., came to the realization that the Obama Administration would soon be departing the White House and wanted to share the opportunity to say Thank You to his family and his administration. They are also launching an annual honorary award to an organization or individual that has uniquely contributed to the advancement of bridging communities and cultures within the United States of America. The award is called the “Architects of a Culture.” Other opportunities to support the campaign, as outlined on http://www.projectthankyoupresidentobama.com are the up and coming Architects of a Culture Awards and the sales of President Barack Obama T-Shirts to support the President’s Non-Profit organization. The committee is currently accepting submission for the design of the T-Shirt.
New Orleans native Stacey Muhammad is an award winning writer, director and producer of documentary, narrative, broadcast and digital content as well as a social activist and cultural critic who has lectured on a broad range of topics including hip hop, pop culture, media, film, social justice issues, and most notably, the history of Black women filmmakers in cinema. She most recently served as Director/ Co - Executive Producer of the Flavor Unit produced Docu Series/Reality Show “From The Bottom Up” for BET / CENTRIC, executive produced by Queen Latifah for BET/ Centric. Her latest independent project, an eight episode digital series titled Finding Forever slated for release Summer 2016, is executive produced by Karyn White and Marc Lamont Hill. She also recently directed Tika Sumpter’s latest 8 episode news program, “Now You Know.” Stacey's critically acclaimed web series, FOR COLORED BOYS, REDEMPTION, executive produced by Marc Lamont Hill, starring Rob Morgan, Julito McCullum, Tim Reid and Jacinto Taras Riddick was recently selected by ABFF Independent for broadcast on Magic Johnson's ASPIRE TV. In 2014, INDIEWIRE named For Colored Boys "1 of 32 web dramas upstaging television dramas. "The award winning series has received press coverage from the LA TIMES, Essence Magazine, Ebony, BET, JET Magazine, Shadow and Act, Clutch Magazine, HUFFPOST LIVE and many others. FOR COLORED BOYS has screened for audiences worldwide including screenings at Viacom, The American Black Film Festival, The Pan African Film Festival and NBC headquarters in NYC where it was selected for a special screening highlighting excellence in digital content. A spin off of her award winning web series, For Colored Boys, REDEMPTION has been acquired and is now in development.
New Orleans native Stacey Muhammad is an award winning writer, director and producer of documentary, narrative, broadcast and digital content as well as a social activist and cultural critic who has lectured on a broad range of topics including hip hop, pop culture, media, film, social justice issues, and most notably, the history of Black women filmmakers in cinema. She most recently served as Director/ Co - Executive Producer of the Flavor Unit produced Docu Series/Reality Show “From The Bottom Up” for BET / CENTRIC, executive produced by Queen Latifah for BET/ Centric. Her latest independent project, an eight episode digital series titled Finding Forever slated for release Summer 2016, is executive produced by Karyn White and Marc Lamont Hill. She also recently directed Tika Sumpter’s latest 8 episode news program, “Now You Know.” Stacey's critically acclaimed web series, FOR COLORED BOYS, REDEMPTION, executive produced by Marc Lamont Hill, starring Rob Morgan, Julito McCullum, Tim Reid and Jacinto Taras Riddick was recently selected by ABFF Independent for broadcast on Magic Johnson's ASPIRE TV. In 2014, INDIEWIRE named For Colored Boys "1 of 32 web dramas upstaging television dramas. "The award winning series has received press coverage from the LA TIMES, Essence Magazine, Ebony, BET, JET Magazine, Shadow and Act, Clutch Magazine, HUFFPOST LIVE and many others. FOR COLORED BOYS has screened for audiences worldwide including screenings at Viacom, The American Black Film Festival, The Pan African Film Festival and NBC headquarters in NYC where it was selected for a special screening highlighting excellence in digital content. A spin off of her award winning web series, For Colored Boys, REDEMPTION has been acquired and is now in development.
New Orleans native Stacey Muhammad is an award winning writer, director and producer of documentary, narrative, broadcast and digital content as well as a social activist and cultural critic who has lectured on a broad range of topics including hip hop, pop culture, media, film, social justice issues, and most notably, the history of Black women filmmakers in cinema. She most recently served as Director/ Co - Executive Producer of the Flavor Unit produced Docu Series/Reality Show “From The Bottom Up” for BET / CENTRIC, executive produced by Queen Latifah for BET/ Centric. Her latest independent project, an eight episode digital series titled Finding Forever slated for release Summer 2016, is executive produced by Karyn White and Marc Lamont Hill. She also recently directed Tika Sumpter’s latest 8 episode news program, “Now You Know.” Stacey's critically acclaimed web series, FOR COLORED BOYS, REDEMPTION, executive produced by Marc Lamont Hill, starring Rob Morgan, Julito McCullum, Tim Reid and Jacinto Taras Riddick was recently selected by ABFF Independent for broadcast on Magic Johnson's ASPIRE TV. In 2014, INDIEWIRE named For Colored Boys "1 of 32 web dramas upstaging television dramas. "The award winning series has received press coverage from the LA TIMES, Essence Magazine, Ebony, BET, JET Magazine, Shadow and Act, Clutch Magazine, HUFFPOST LIVE and many others. FOR COLORED BOYS has screened for audiences worldwide including screenings at Viacom, The American Black Film Festival, The Pan African Film Festival and NBC headquarters in NYC where it was selected for a special screening highlighting excellence in digital content. A spin off of her award winning web series, For Colored Boys, REDEMPTION has been acquired and is now in development.
Katrina Walker is an outstanding example of how to beat the odds when they are stacked against you. As an entrepreneur, philanthropist, and motivator, she took being a witness to cultural, domestic, and financial tumult and converted what she learned into a motivational tool to fight victimhood. Walker went from being a struggling teen bride, to a divorced mother of four, to a trailblazer who has over the past 25 years built thriving enterprises; including a 24-hour day care center, multiple real estate holdings, a record label, and state-of-the-art recording studio-all while becoming a self-made millionaire. Her renowned Tennessee based RainbowKidz Learning Center is currently expanding into a national brand. For over the past two decades her philanthropic, hands-on support has helped turn hardworking individuals into successful business owners; providing them with step-by-step guidance on how to start a business, hire employees, manage a budget, select locations, and take advantage of marketing to realize their full earning potential. The experience of being in an abusive relationship, both mental and physical, allowed her a keen sense for spotting those in similar crisis, and out of this has grown yet another community supportive enterprise at Walker's helm: the BE (Blind Eye) Foundation. Katrina Walker has taken adversity and transformed her life into a true American success story. She now continues on her mission to help others find their own positive transformations. Walker is writing her memoir with award-winning journalist Clarence Waldron, former Jet senior writer and editor, who was mentored by the late best-selling author and poet, Dr. Maya Angelou.
Katrina Walker is an outstanding example of how to beat the odds when they are stacked against you. As an entrepreneur, philanthropist, and motivator, she took being a witness to cultural, domestic, and financial tumult and converted what she learned into a motivational tool to fight victimhood. Walker went from being a struggling teen bride, to a divorced mother of four, to a trailblazer who has over the past 25 years built thriving enterprises; including a 24-hour day care center, multiple real estate holdings, a record label, and state-of-the-art recording studio-all while becoming a self-made millionaire. Her renowned Tennessee based RainbowKidz Learning Center is currently expanding into a national brand. For over the past two decades her philanthropic, hands-on support has helped turn hardworking individuals into successful business owners; providing them with step-by-step guidance on how to start a business, hire employees, manage a budget, select locations, and take advantage of marketing to realize their full earning potential. The experience of being in an abusive relationship, both mental and physical, allowed her a keen sense for spotting those in similar crisis, and out of this has grown yet another community supportive enterprise at Walker's helm: the BE (Blind Eye) Foundation. Katrina Walker has taken adversity and transformed her life into a true American success story. She now continues on her mission to help others find their own positive transformations. Walker is writing her memoir with award-winning journalist Clarence Waldron, former Jet senior writer and editor, who was mentored by the late best-selling author and poet, Dr. Maya Angelou.
Daisha started with a back-up dance career that’s spanned some of the largest urban hip-hop, pop, and R&B acts in recent memory– Rihanna, Diddy, Ryan Leslie, Letoya Lucket, Santigold, Janelle Monae, Jill Scott and Beyonce’ to name a few. However, after reaching the top of the working commercial dance world, her passion and vision to express herself as a performing artist hadn’t quite satisfied her own self-fulfillment. “Even before being on the road for so long, I envisioned an original live experience more theatrical and expressive than dance alone could reveal about me,” says Daisha. Her artistic presence is noticeable, and likable.
Less you think this is the story of just another professional dancer wanting to be a pop-star, Daisha was trained as a classical pianist since the age of 5 and also participated in choirs throughout high school and college. “Music had always been an important part of my life, but dance became the perfect medium for exposing me to the professional music industry.”
Daisha’s versatile nature and willingness to never limit her endeavors continues to land her a multitude of endless opportunities. She has landed roles on feature films such as, Step Up 2, Step up 3D, When in Rome and most recently VH1's original movie The Breaks. She is also the co-founder of Daisha and Alicia Graf Arts Collective (aka D(n)A Arts), an initiative she and her sister Alicia Graf Mack created; committed to enriching lives through the arts.
Toni is an international champion of hip-hop culture, known for the irresistible, contagious energy of her performances and for her alluring female presence. An award-winning artist, her steadfast work and commitment to hip-hop led the U.S. Department of State to select her to work as the first ever hip-hop artist to work as an American Cultural Specialist. She has already served in Senegal, Ghana, Botswana, and Swaziland where her residencies include performance, workshops, and lectures on hip hop music and culture. She recently toured Southeast Asia with Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Musical Ambassador program and has shared the stage with the likes of Erykah Badu, Mos Def, The Roots, Wu Tang Clan, GURU, Bahamadia, Boot Camp Clic, Me’Shell NdegeoCello, Sarah McLachlan, Sheryl Crow, Jill Sobule and even Rickie Lee Jones. Her first book, Inner-Course was released in 2003 (Villard/Random House). Toni has performed in Eve Ensler’s V-Day Festival, the DODGE Poetry Festival, in Spain at the Barcelona World Social Forum, featured in the CUTTING EDGE Festival in Darmstadt, Germany, featured at SENERAP International Hip Hop Festival in Dakar and toured South Africa as a headliner on the URBAN VOICES Festival alongside the legendary Linton Kwesi Johnson. Toni has collaborated with a host of highly esteemed musicians including Craig Harris, James “Blood” Ulmer, Vernon Reid, Jay Rodriguez and master kora players Papa Susso and Yacouba. She continues to work with artists from around the world. She has been listed in ESSENCE Magazine’s listing of “30 Women to Watch,” featured in SAVOY Magazine, Newsweek Japan, The Washington Post, and in The New York Times. NHK-Global Japan Television produced a full-length documentary on her work with hip-hop airing it to 11 million viewers on national TV in Japan. She and her work have been highlighted on BET, as well as on FOX News and VH1, featured in UPSCALE, and VIBE.
Grammy nominated vocalist and writer Syleena Johnson is one of the greatest singers and performers of her generation. She has scored major R&B hits and been invited to collaborate with the likes of Kanye West, R. Kelly and Musiq Soulchild. Having fought the major label system to allow her true identity to shine forth, Syleena stepped forward with her most anticipated album to date Chapter 6: Couples Therapy, which was released on the Blackbyrd label. Syleena Johnson is also a popular television personality. She’s one of the original cast members the TV One hit reality series R&B Divas Atlanta and recently wrapped up season 3 with co-stars Keke Wyatt, Angie Stone, Monifah Carter, LaTavia Roberson and former 702 lead singer Kameelah Williams. Syleena also appeared with her sisters on OWN’s Iyanla: Fix My Life. In 2015 Syleena and her husband, Kiwane Garris (former professional basketball player), will appear on the new season of WE TV’s, Marriage Boot Camp Reality Stars. Chapter 6: Couples Therapy has been made into a film that stars Johnson, directed by Tangie Black Moore of Tier2Films and the other collaborators from the album. Syleena’s passion for health, fitness, and nutrition has also led her to develop a fitness DVD called Mommy’s Got Soul. Constantly on tour and working on exciting projects, Syleena Johnson who is set to release her book, “The Weight is Over”, will show music lovers why she is one sixth of the Daughters of Soul at the ATL Soul Life Music Festival, Memorial Day weekend. The festival will take place in scenic Atlanta, Georgia offering two nights of outdoor, melodically-soulful entertainment. Grammy nominated artists, along with Soul Train nominees will celebrate soul music in its newest and most cutting edge forms, as the genres of Neo-Soul, R&B, Progressive Hip-Hop and extraordinary groups take the stage.
Antonique Smith is a singer, songwriter, actress, and social justice activist, primarily known for her starring role in the blockbuster film, Notorious, as well as her leading role in the Broadway musical, RENT. In 2015, she was nominated for a Grammy Award in the Best Traditional R&B Performance category. Antonique is currently being seen in the TV One original film, "Stock Options". Later this summer, Antonique will co-star in the upcoming Queen Latifah executive produced film, "Deuces" and will have a recurring role in the newly announced FOX drama-series, "Shots Fired", Executive Produced by Gina Prince-Bythewood and Empire's executive producer, Brian Grazer. Heralded as “an amazing actress with a great career ahead of her”, by the legendary Sidney Lumet, Antonique is following the career path of Whitney Houston, Barbra Streisand and Diana Ross; pursuing a career in film while also continuing to make her dream of a Grammy-winning recording career into the most amazing of realities.
Now more than ever independent artists thirst for an opportunity to be heard. Indie Review Radio is the catalyst to do just that. Each week the show will feature the best and greatest in the world of independent musicians artists and seasoned industry professionals. The show will include new music by indies, the latest in industry trends by seasoned industry professionals and a wealth of information for independent artists that are looking for what's next in their careers.
Grammy nominated vocalist and writer Syleena Johnson is one of the greatest singers and performers of her generation. She has scored major R&B hits and been invited to collaborate with the likes of Kanye West, R. Kelly and Musiq Soulchild. Having fought the major label system to allow her true identity to shine forth, Syleena stepped forward with her most anticipated album to date Chapter 6: Couples Therapy, which was released on the Blackbyrd label. Syleena Johnson is also a popular television personality. She’s one of the original cast members the TV One hit reality series R&B Divas Atlanta and recently wrapped up season 3 with co-stars Keke Wyatt, Angie Stone, Monifah Carter, LaTavia Roberson and former 702 lead singer Kameelah Williams. Syleena also appeared with her sisters on OWN’s Iyanla: Fix My Life. In 2015 Syleena and her husband, Kiwane Garris (former professional basketball player), will appear on the new season of WE TV’s, Marriage Boot Camp Reality Stars. Chapter 6: Couples Therapy has been made into a film that stars Johnson, directed by Tangie Black Moore of Tier2Films and the other collaborators from the album. Syleena’s passion for health, fitness, and nutrition has also led her to develop a fitness DVD called Mommy’s Got Soul. Constantly on tour and working on exciting projects, Syleena Johnson who is set to release her book, “The Weight is Over”, will show music lovers why she is one sixth of the Daughters of Soul at the ATL Soul Life Music Festival, Memorial Day weekend. The festival will take place in scenic Atlanta, Georgia offering two nights of outdoor, melodically-soulful entertainment. Grammy nominated artists, along with Soul Train nominees will celebrate soul music in its newest and most cutting edge forms, as the genres of Neo-Soul, R&B, Progressive Hip-Hop and extraordinary groups take the stage.
Kindred the Family Soul, also referred to as Kindred, are a duo consisting of the married couple of Fatin Dantzler and Aja Graydon. Signed to Hidden Beach Recordings, Kindred emerged from the Philadelphia neo soul movement that also includes Jill Scott, who discovered them while the couple was performing at the Black Lily Film & Music Festival. After two years of work on the CD, Hidden Beach issued their debut album ''Surrender to Love'' in February 2003, which included, among others, the songs "Stars" and "Far Away". Their follow-up album was 2005's ''In This Life Together'' its title being a reference to Ossie Davis and Ruby Dee's 1998 book ''With Ossie & Ruby: In This Life Together'', spawning the single "Where Would I Be (The Question)". The duo were nominated for a Soul Train Music Award for Best R&B/Soul Album, Group Band or Duo for ''Surrender to Love'' in 2004 and a BET Award for the BET J Cool Like That Award in 2006. The group's third LP, ''The Arrival'', was released on October 21, 2008. The Group's most recent album was "Love has No Recession" released on Purpose/Shanachie records which featured special guests such as Snoop Dogg, Chuck Brown, Bilal, Raheem Devaughn and others. The beloved Grammy-nominated duo, Kindred the Family Soul is set to headline ATL Soul Life Music Fest, the largest annual Soul Music Festival in the SE region. This duo is the chosen to close out the second night as the headliner. Fondly known as the First Couple of Soul to some, they are sure to take attendees on a musical journey. Last year’s inaugural festival sold out with a record setting attendance of 5,300 on the first night and over 5,100 on the second.
Now more than ever independent artists thirst for an opportunity to be heard. Indie Review Radio is the catalyst to do just that. Each week the show will feature the best and greatest in the world of independent musicians artists and seasoned industry professionals. The show will include new music by indies, the latest in industry trends by seasoned industry professionals and a wealth of information for independent artists that are looking for what's next in their careers.
Jamaal Meeks was an A&R with SRC/ Universal Records for over 6 years (2003 - 2010). He worked on Wu-Tang Clan, Akon, Terror Squad, David Banner, Pharaoh Monch, Asher Roth, and Remy Ma's album. He’s currently a music composer and Co-Founder of Faces In The Crowd Artist Showcase (www.FacesShowcase.com). Faces recently inked a Digital distribution deal with Red Distribution (a division of Sony Music Entertainment). Faces is one of the longest running artist showcases in the country, doing artist showcases since 2003. They hold a monthly artist showcase at the Legendary SOB's venue in NYC. Jamaal is also Co-Founder of Real Well Music Group (Distributed by Empire Distribution).
Now more than ever independent artists thirst for an opportunity to be heard. Indie Review Radio is the catalyst to do just that. Each week the show will feature the best and greatest in the world of independent musicians artists and seasoned industry professionals. The show will include new music by indies, the latest in industry trends by seasoned industry professionals and a wealth of information for independent artists that are looking for what's next in their careers.
Born into a family of talented singers, Di’ta has carried the torch in a way that has made her family proud. Hailing from Rochester, New York, she is a hometown favorite. She has taken her vocal and theatrical talent to stages all across the globe. Having toured for15 years, she has performed with notables such as Yolanda Adams, Kim Burrell, Melba Moore, and many more. Although she would not classify herself in anyone genre, she is known most for her rich vocal tones that are a blend of jazz, gospel R&B and soul.
Lending smooth vocals to an infectious fusion of R&B, gospel, pop, hip-hop, classical soul and country, Kenny Black Jr. continues to prove that there are no boundaries to his talents. Self-proclaimed as the “Music Machine”, Kenny Black’s versatility and golden ear allows his talents to cross ALL music genres. As a gifted song writer, singer, and producer, he greets the industry as a triple threat. At the age of 3 he picked up his first set of drum sticks. By age of 15 this self-taught musician began to master drums, percussion, organ and the piano. The son of pastor, Apostle Kenny and Evelyn Black of Living Water Ministries, Kenny’s respect for the art of soulful music can be traced to his childhood, singing and performing in the church. His natural, raw melodic and instrument playing skills would be honed while attending a performing arts high school. He writes his own songs, produces and arranges his own music, and will humbly state that he’s just sharing his god-given talents. His talents have graced the works of various artists including: Shyne (Bad Boy), Lil’ Wayne, Pam Long (Bad Boy recording artists TOTAL), Jaheim (2007). Kenny Black” founded “Delray Music Group” in honor of his cousin Shawn (DelRay) Searight and his personal vision to create great music. In 2014 Kenny also brokered a deal with YouTube networkers to have his own youtube channel called “Delray Tv.” ”Kenny Black” was the architect behind Desiree Coleman-Jackson’s 2009 Gospel album; producing the entire project. Currently you can find Kenny Black touring with R&B legends “Total”, as the Drummer, Musical Director, and Programmer. Kenny proves that every stage that he is on, people gravitate to his likeable personality. So much so, people are screaming for him on stage just as much as they are screaming for Total.
Now more than ever independent artists thirst for an opportunity to be heard. Indie Review Radio is the catalyst to do just that. Each week the show will feature the best and greatest in the world of independent musicians artists and seasoned industry professionals. The show will include new music by indies, the latest in industry trends by seasoned industry professionals and a wealth of information for independent artists that are looking for what's next in their careers.
Now more than ever independent artists thirst for an opportunity to be heard. Indie Review Radio is the catalyst to do just that. Each week the show will feature the best and greatest in the world of independent musicians artists and seasoned industry professionals. The show will include new music by indies, the latest in industry trends by seasoned industry professionals and a wealth of information for independent artists that are looking for what's next in their careers.
Author, Journalist, Radio Personality, & Activist With 2015 marking her 20th year in the media business, Raqiyah’s influence goes back to Newark, NJ. Born to a teen mother and domestic abuse survivor, Raqiyah’s climb from mastering a speech impediment to being bullied in school, led a shy, insecure, girl into becoming the confident, outspoken, success she is today. Featured in The Limited clothing store’s 2015 nationwide “New Look of Leadership” campaign, she’s been chosen and honored as a female leader for her passionate work as an author, journalist, radio personality, stepmother, and activist. A writer at heart, Raqiyah’s debut fiction novel, “The Man Curse,” out now, chronicles the world of Meena, a young women who spends her life trying to break The Man Curse and become the first woman in her family to marry. No stranger to the book world, Raqiyah contributed a chapter to Gil Robertson’s anthology “Where Did Our Love Go: Love & Relationships in the African American community.” She was a featured profile in Thembisa Mshaka’s book of entertainment industry professionals, “Put Your Dreams First: Handle your entertainment business” And Raqiyah was a reporter at large for Cheo Hodari Coker’s VIBE book “Unbelievable: The Life, Death, and Afterlife of The Notorious B.I.G,” which was turned into feature film, Notorious. Raqiyah is a passionate activist for issues affecting women, children, and African Americans. In college, she helped create the Diversity Union on Penn State University’s Altoona campus after acts of racism toward black classmates. Today, she continues her penchant for activism. From marching in Ferguson, MO to Baltimore and attending protests in NYC.
Author, Journalist, Radio Personality, & Activist With 2015 marking her 20th year in the media business, Raqiyah’s influence goes back to Newark, NJ. Born to a teen mother and domestic abuse survivor, Raqiyah’s climb from mastering a speech impediment to being bullied in school, led a shy, insecure, girl into becoming the confident, outspoken, success she is today. Featured in The Limited clothing store’s 2015 nationwide “New Look of Leadership” campaign, she’s been chosen and honored as a female leader for her passionate work as an author, journalist, radio personality, stepmother, and activist. A writer at heart, Raqiyah’s debut fiction novel, “The Man Curse,” out now, chronicles the world of Meena, a young women who spends her life trying to break The Man Curse and become the first woman in her family to marry. No stranger to the book world, Raqiyah contributed a chapter to Gil Robertson’s anthology “Where Did Our Love Go: Love & Relationships in the African American community.” She was a featured profile in Thembisa Mshaka’s book of entertainment industry professionals, “Put Your Dreams First: Handle your entertainment business” And Raqiyah was a reporter at large for Cheo Hodari Coker’s VIBE book “Unbelievable: The Life, Death, and Afterlife of The Notorious B.I.G,” which was turned into feature film, Notorious. Raqiyah is a passionate activist for issues affecting women, children, and African Americans. In college, she helped create the Diversity Union on Penn State University’s Altoona campus after acts of racism toward black classmates. Today, she continues her penchant for activism. From marching in Ferguson, MO to Baltimore and attending protests in NYC.
A dynamic and powerful virtuoso with a soothing touch, Ali Caldwell's voice is as thrilling as it is comforting. This is contemporary R&B/soul music that inspires a sense of nostalgia. With whispers that climb into full-throttle belting and back, Ali delivers emotional swings that pick you up, spin you around, plant you firmly back on your feet --- and then repeat, with ease. Jazz notes and meandering harmonies punctuate her work, and her church-gospel background fuels pop sensibilities that provide intensity, conviction, control, and polish. Singer-songwriter Ali Caldwell may be well on her way to accomplishing her dreams. Ali recently released her debut EP “Heart Of Ballads” and finished an international 3 city, 23 show tour as an independent artist (with the help of her imprint 2MaroMusicTM/ 2MaroMedia Inc., which she is also a partner in). Having felt a level of accomplishment, this entrepreneur says she is just getting started. She vows to keep innovating and share her gift with others, spearheading a movement called NoMajorZoneTM — a motivational movement catering to the independent artist. She is determined to show the world that an independent artist can achieve a major level of success through hard work, dedication and consistency...without the help of a “Major Label”. Born and raised in Woodbridge, New Jersey with roots in New Brockton, Alabama, Ali Caldwell fell in love with music through the recordings of Brandy, Tamia, Anita Baker, Beyonce, and Faith Evans. As an eclectic lover of music, she would also listen to Yolanda Adams, Pink, N’Sync, Celine Dion and Alanis Morissette. Honing a diverse musical palette, Ali was able to develop a distinct writing style, sound, and vocal ability in conjunction with a mesmerizing stage performance.
Now more than ever independent artists thirst for an opportunity to be heard. Indie Review Radio is the catalyst to do just that. Each week the show will feature the best and greatest in the world of independent musicians artists and seasoned industry professionals. The show will include new music by indies, the latest in industry trends by seasoned industry professionals and a wealth of information for independent artists that are looking for what's next in their careers.
Yves hails from a small town in the Eastern Cape called Butterworth also known as Gcuwa. Yves found her calling in music at the tender age of 13 where she was a lead vocalist in a local band which entered the Shell Road to Fame Talent competition in 1996 and successfully made 2nd place in the regional finals Yves continued to pursue her passion and went on to study and major in music at the National School of Arts. In 2004 Yves talent was recognized by one of the finest music producers in the country Jerah Mothusi and gave her the opportunity to showcase her voice by working with her on Rude Boy Paul’s Azaniah Pulse 2 compilation which featured the late great Mama Busi Mhlongo and many more remarkable artists in South Africa. As a young artist eager to establish herself and gain recognition in the music industry, Yves entered Idols and impressively made it into the top 32 in the country. Her talent, ambition, commitment and passion have led to one of Yves major achievements where she collaborated with Molhusi again to release her debut album titled “7ven.” The album is a lyrically powerful work of art which reflects on some of Yves’ life experiences, allowing her to showcase her song writing skills. She got to co-write with artist Fiesta Black and international DJ/Producer Harrison Crump on some of the songs on the album. Yves released a single “Mfana waseMahlkeng” along with a music video playing all over radios and television. She has also been entered for the 2015 SAMA’s. Her immense talent is sure to take the international market by storm and prove that she is one of the best vocalist on the music scene. Yves has also been featured on SABC’s Morning Live, the Daily Sun, SkyroomLive, and Hectic 99.
Head Stylist Hikmah Hassoun (aka Barby), has been in the hair business for over fifteen years perfecting her sew-in weaving and natural hair growth techniques. Hikmah and her Heirstudios team have a genuine passion for nurturing and maintaining beautiful healthy hair and scalp. Our stylist receive special training to stay on the cutting edge of the latest hair styles and trends for weaves and extensions. Heirstudios Salon is one of the top salons in the Atlanta Buckhead area that cater to women with special needs that extend farther than just styling hair, we care for the health of your scalp and your hair. We are aware that premature balding and alopecia areata have become an epidemic in our community due to improper diet and stressful living but should not go untreated. Heirstudios specialize in professional sew-in and weaving techniques. Heirstudios team caters to each clients unique, individual style and personality. They work closely with our clients to help them achieve their desired look. Their weaving techniques help prevent breakage and promote healthy hair growth.
Head Stylist Hikmah Hassoun (aka Barby), has been in the hair business for over fifteen years perfecting her sew-in weaving and natural hair growth techniques. Hikmah and her Heirstudios team have a genuine passion for nurturing and maintaining beautiful healthy hair and scalp. Our stylist receive special training to stay on the cutting edge of the latest hair styles and trends for weaves and extensions. Heirstudios Salon is one of the top salons in the Atlanta Buckhead area that cater to women with special needs that extend farther than just styling hair, we care for the health of your scalp and your hair. We are aware that premature balding and alopecia areata have become an epidemic in our community due to improper diet and stressful living but should not go untreated. Heirstudios specialize in professional sew-in and weaving techniques. Heirstudios team caters to each clients unique, individual style and personality. They work closely with our clients to help them achieve their desired look. Their weaving techniques help prevent breakage and promote healthy hair growth.
Now more than ever independent artists thirst for an opportunity to be heard. Indie Review Radio is the catalyst to do just that. Each week the show will feature the best and greatest in the world of independent musicians artists and seasoned industry professionals. The show will include new music by indies, the latest in industry trends by seasoned industry professionals and a wealth of information for independent artists that are looking for what's next in their careers.
Now more than ever independent artists thirst for an opportunity to be heard. Indie Review Radio is the catalyst to do just that. Each week the show will feature the best and greatest in the world of independent musicians artists and seasoned industry professionals. The show will include new music by indies, the latest in industry trends by seasoned industry professionals and a wealth of information for independent artists that are looking for what's next in their careers.
Now more than ever independent artists thirst for an opportunity to be heard. Indie Review Radio is the catalyst to do just that. Each week the show will feature the best and greatest in the world of independent musicians artists and seasoned industry professionals. The show will include new music by indies, the latest in industry trends by seasoned industry professionals and a wealth of information for independent artists that are looking for what's next in their careers.
Now more than ever independent artists thirst for an opportunity to be heard. Indie Review Radio is the catalyst to do just that. Each week the show will feature the best and greatest in the world of independent musicians artists and seasoned industry professionals. The show will include new music by indies, the latest in industry trends by seasoned industry professionals and a wealth of information for independent artists that are looking for what's next in their careers.
Now more than ever independent artists thirst for an opportunity to be heard. Indie Review Radio is the catalyst to do just that. Each week the show will feature the best and greatest in the world of independent musicians artists and seasoned industry professionals. The show will include new music by indies, the latest in industry trends by seasoned industry professionals and a wealth of information for independent artists that are looking for what's next in their careers.
Now more than ever independent artists thirst for an opportunity to be heard. Indie Review Radio is the catalyst to do just that. Each week the show will feature the best and greatest in the world of independent musicians artists and seasoned industry professionals. The show will include new music by indies, the latest in industry trends by seasoned industry professionals and a wealth of information for independent artists that are looking for what's next in their careers.
Malachi Rivers is a New York City based rapper, poet, and actor whose lyrical soulfulness and avant-garde music making has earned national and international acclaim. A native of Maryland, Malachi cultivated a strong following in D.C.’s metropolitan music and spoken word scene before moving to New York City where his career quickly blossomed and he became a regular in the city’s staple music venues, including the Nuyorican Poets Café and SOB’s. Malachi’s lyrical skills and performances garnered the attention of Grammy nominated jazz musician Marcus Strickland, who asked Malachi to be the sole voice in his “Twi-Life” group and record the group’s debut album Open Reel Deck. The Village Voice touted Malachi as being able to persuade you with his lyrical abilities, writing: “Malachi recites and cajoles over a state of the art Jazz band.” The Denver Post likened him to the great jazz and soul singer poet Gil Scott-Heron. Shortly after the release of Open Reel Deck, Malachi toured with the “Twi-Life” collective, which performed at New York City’s legendary Blue Note Jazz Club and subsequently joined forces with a rotating collective of artists for a North American and European tour. During this period, Malachi released his debut single “Cloud 9”, which became an online favorite, and starred in two independent films Scrolls the Book of Life Part 1 and 2. He also ramped up to launch a solo project, which he released in the summer of 2012 to much buzz. The debut EP, Stereo Sound Escape, became an internet sensation, anchored by its lead single “A New World Part II - The Schizo Speaks” featuring HBO’s True Blood star Nelsan Ellis (Lafayette).
Marc W. Polite is an award winning writer from New York City. He is the founder of Polite On Society, a blog of political analysis and social commentary established in 2009. Most recently, Marc was recognized by the New York Association of Black Journalists at the Awards Gala for “Best Blog Commentary” of 2014. His progressive political commentary has been featured in such places as Time Magazine, Black Star News, Harlem News Group, The Grio, The Atlanta Post, and the New England Informer. In addition to blogging and freelance writing, Marc also has taken to traditional publishing via his company Upstart Publishing. “The Poetic Ruminations of Mr. Born Nice”is a chapbook of original poetry. Released in 2013, “Poetic Ruminations” has garnered enthusiastic support on the spoken word circuit. He has been featured from venues ranging to The Shrine in Harlem, to a gathering of the Baltimore Poets Society at the Enoch Pratt Library in Maryland. Marc is currently promoting his latest work- a collection of essays titled Everything To Learn, Nothing To Teach.
Now more than ever independent artists thirst for an opportunity to be heard. Indie Review Radio is the catalyst to do just that. Each week the show will feature the best and greatest in the world of independent musicians artists and seasoned industry professionals. The show will include new music by indies, the latest in industry trends by seasoned industry professionals and a wealth of information for independent artists that are looking for what's next in their careers.
Now more than ever independent artists thirst for an opportunity to be heard. Indie Review Radio is the catalyst to do just that. Each week the show will feature the best and greatest in the world of independent musicians artists and seasoned industry professionals. The show will include new music by indies, the latest in industry trends by seasoned industry professionals and a wealth of information for independent artists that are looking for what's next in their careers.
Marc W. Polite is an award winning writer from New York City. He is the founder of Polite On Society, a blog of political analysis and social commentary established in 2009. Most recently, Marc was recognized by the New York Association of Black Journalists at the Awards Gala for “Best Blog Commentary” of 2014. His progressive political commentary has been featured in such places as Time Magazine, Black Star News, Harlem News Group, The Grio, The Atlanta Post, and the New England Informer. In addition to blogging and freelance writing, Marc also has taken to traditional publishing via his company Upstart Publishing. “The Poetic Ruminations of Mr. Born Nice”is a chapbook of original poetry. Released in 2013, “Poetic Ruminations” has garnered enthusiastic support on the spoken word circuit. He has been featured from venues ranging to The Shrine in Harlem, to a gathering of the Baltimore Poets Society at the Enoch Pratt Library in Maryland. Marc is currently promoting his latest work- a collection of essays titled Everything To Learn, Nothing To Teach.
Now more than ever independent artists thirst for an opportunity to be heard. Indie Review Radio is the catalyst to do just that. Each week the show will feature the best and greatest in the world of independent musicians artists and seasoned industry professionals. The show will include new music by indies, the latest in industry trends by seasoned industry professionals and a wealth of information for independent artists that are looking for what's next in their careers.
Felisha has spent her entire life making the necessary moves to reserve herself a space amongst the entertainment industry’s biggest and best. Booker realizes that in order to win, a fearless prowess must also accompany professional business savvy. Felisha’s interest in the music industry was born during her time as an A&R representative at UNEM Entertainment Group an independent record label based in Cleveland. Late nights in the studio working side-by-side semi-seasoned producers birthed a desire to create an outlet for aspiring producers with little or no chance of being discovered, which later became Dynamic Producer. Leaving odd jobs and monotony behind, Felisha moved to NYC to chase after what some would dub an impossible dream from a Midwestern belle with little experience. Having moved to New York with only forty dollars to her name, Felisha knew she would be unable to maneuver and network with her limited funds. While networking at an industry event she landed a position at Elektra Entertainment Group in 2001. Felisha fearlessly left her job and began frequenting empowerment meetings and industry seminars scoring the connections that would ultimately aid in her efforts in launching her brainchild, Dynamic Producer, followed by Dynamic Songwriter soon thereafter. The new vision, Dynamic Producer Professional & Dynamic Songwriter Professional, launched in 2012 by Booker and for the first time anywhere began offering members one on one counseling from a dedicated team of on call music business, production, songwriting and mixing advisors. Booker has led herself and the organization to receive recognition from both industry professionals and sponsors alike, including: SESAC, Peermusic and Allhiphop just to name a few. Alumni from the organization have went on to place records with artists such as Mya, Chamillionaire, 50 Cent, Jay-Z, Beyonce and more.
Felisha has spent her entire life making the necessary moves to reserve herself a space amongst the entertainment industry’s biggest and best. Booker realizes that in order to win, a fearless prowess must also accompany professional business savvy. Felisha’s interest in the music industry was born during her time as an A&R representative at UNEM Entertainment Group an independent record label based in Cleveland. Late nights in the studio working side-by-side semi-seasoned producers birthed a desire to create an outlet for aspiring producers with little or no chance of being discovered, which later became Dynamic Producer. Leaving odd jobs and monotony behind, Felisha moved to NYC to chase after what some would dub an impossible dream from a Midwestern belle with little experience. Having moved to New York with only forty dollars to her name, Felisha knew she would be unable to maneuver and network with her limited funds. While networking at an industry event she landed a position at Elektra Entertainment Group in 2001. Felisha fearlessly left her job and began frequenting empowerment meetings and industry seminars scoring the connections that would ultimately aid in her efforts in launching her brainchild, Dynamic Producer, followed by Dynamic Songwriter soon thereafter. The new vision, Dynamic Producer Professional & Dynamic Songwriter Professional, launched in 2012 by Booker and for the first time anywhere began offering members one on one counseling from a dedicated team of on call music business, production, songwriting and mixing advisors. Booker has led herself and the organization to receive recognition from both industry professionals and sponsors alike, including: SESAC, Peermusic and Allhiphop just to name a few. Alumni from the organization have went on to place records with artists such as Mya, Chamillionaire, 50 Cent, Jay-Z, Beyonce and more.
Now more than ever independent artists thirst for an opportunity to be heard. Indie Review Radio is the catalyst to do just that. Each week the show will feature the best and greatest in the world of independent musicians artists and seasoned industry professionals. The show will include new music by indies, the latest in industry trends by seasoned industry professionals and a wealth of information for independent artists that are looking for what's next in their careers.
Now more than ever independent artists thirst for an opportunity to be heard. Indie Review Radio is the catalyst to do just that. Each week the show will feature the best and greatest in the world of independent musicians artists and seasoned industry professionals. The show will include new music by indies, the latest in industry trends by seasoned industry professionals and a wealth of information for independent artists that are looking for what's next in their careers.
Now more than ever independent artists thirst for an opportunity to be heard. Indie Review Radio is the catalyst to do just that. Each week the show will feature the best and greatest in the world of independent musicians artists and seasoned industry professionals. The show will include new music by indies, the latest in industry trends by seasoned industry professionals and a wealth of information for independent artists that are looking for what's next in their careers.
Now more than ever independent artists thirst for an opportunity to be heard. Indie Review Radio is the catalyst to do just that. Each week the show will feature the best and greatest in the world of independent musicians artists and seasoned industry professionals. The show will include new music by indies, the latest in industry trends by seasoned industry professionals and a wealth of information for independent artists that are looking for what's next in their careers.
Now more than ever independent artists thirst for an opportunity to be heard. Indie Review Radio is the catalyst to do just that. Each week the show will feature the best and greatest in the world of independent musicians artists and seasoned industry professionals. The show will include new music by indies, the latest in industry trends by seasoned industry professionals and a wealth of information for independent artists that are looking for what's next in their careers.
Now more than ever independent artists thirst for an opportunity to be heard. Indie Review Radio is the catalyst to do just that. Each week the show will feature the best and greatest in the world of independent musicians artists and seasoned industry professionals. The show will include new music by indies, the latest in industry trends by seasoned industry professionals and a wealth of information for independent artists that are looking for what's next in their careers.
Now more than ever independent artists thirst for an opportunity to be heard. Indie Review Radio is the catalyst to do just that. Each week the show will feature the best and greatest in the world of independent musicians artists and seasoned industry professionals. The show will include new music by indies, the latest in industry trends by seasoned industry professionals and a wealth of information for independent artists that are looking for what's next in their careers.
Once featured on the cable television network LifeTime sharing the message of menstrual wellness, Valarie Carey is a retired New York City Police Sergeant turned entrepreneur. She is the founder of TOTM! Time Of The Month!® and author of calendar series by the same name. TOTM! Time Of The Month!® (Val’s Word! Publishing) hands out tips and advice for girls and women of all ages who menstruate. Valarie Carey often called Val, conducts TOTM! menstrual wellness workshops for teens, women, and single dads. She is a published author, most recently co-authored The Art of Activation book with Lucinda Cross. Val is a mentor and community activist in her native Brooklyn neighborhood of Bedford Stuyvesant. Having served with several national organizations including NOBLE National Organization Of Black Law Enforcement Executives and publishing a monthly local newsletter named Val’s Word!, Carey believes in community.Carey has mentored the youth at the local PAL (Police Athletic League) through Mentoring USA and currently holds a seat on the executive board of Brooklyn CARES, a local chapter of The National CARES Mentoring Movement(NCMM). Val Carey hosted a 2x weekly show TOTM! Tea Talk for nearly 3 years until October 3, 2013 when her sister Miriam Carey was shot at with her 13 month old baby in the car and tragically killed in Washington, DC by U.S. Secret Service and U.S. Capitol Police. She has since launched the campaign #YouPlus1 Until Justice is Done to have Congress conduct an independent query into the death of her sister Miriam Carey.
Once featured on the cable television network LifeTime sharing the message of menstrual wellness, Valarie Carey is a retired New York City Police Sergeant turned entrepreneur. She is the founder of TOTM! Time Of The Month!® and author of calendar series by the same name. TOTM! Time Of The Month!® (Val’s Word! Publishing) hands out tips and advice for girls and women of all ages who menstruate. Valarie Carey often called Val, conducts TOTM! menstrual wellness workshops for teens, women, and single dads. She is a published author, most recently co-authored The Art of Activation book with Lucinda Cross. Val is a mentor and community activist in her native Brooklyn neighborhood of Bedford Stuyvesant. Having served with several national organizations including NOBLE National Organization Of Black Law Enforcement Executives and publishing a monthly local newsletter named Val’s Word!, Carey believes in community.Carey has mentored the youth at the local PAL (Police Athletic League) through Mentoring USA and currently holds a seat on the executive board of Brooklyn CARES, a local chapter of The National CARES Mentoring Movement(NCMM). Val Carey hosted a 2x weekly show TOTM! Tea Talk for nearly 3 years until October 3, 2013 when her sister Miriam Carey was shot at with her 13 month old baby in the car and tragically killed in Washington, DC by U.S. Secret Service and U.S. Capitol Police. She has since launched the campaign #YouPlus1 Until Justice is Done to have Congress conduct an independent query into the death of her sister Miriam Carey.
Stacey M. is an award winning writer/director and producer of narrative, documentary, broadcast and digital content as well as a social activist and cultural critic who has lectured on a broad range of topics including hiphop, pop culture,media,film,social justice issues,and most notably, the history of Black women filmmakers in cinema. A native of New Orleans, LA, Stacey has worked extensively to document and preserve hip hop culture and address social issues through film and media. Her work includes multimedia projects, music videos, arts and activism and social justice campaigns and award winning films including “I AM SEAN BELL, black boys speak, which made it’s film festival premiere at the PATOIS, New Orleans International Human Rights Film Festival. An official selection to the Media That Matters Film Festival, where it was awarded the “Speaking Out Award”, the film received international acclaim and toured with the HBO/ Media that Matters Film Festival screening for audiences worldwide. Her latest project, For Colored Boys, REDEMPTION starring Rob Morgan, Julito McCullum, Tim Reid and Jacinto Taras Riddick is currently on the festival circuit. The award winning series, Executive Produced by author, journalist and social justice activist, Dr. Marc Lamont Hill is preparing for it’s second season with new cast members Charles Dutton and Adesola Osakalumi. In 2009, Stacey co-founded “Intelligent Seedz” with Artist / Activist, Wise Intelligent. The organization is committed to equipping youth with the necessary tools to tell their stories through documentary film. Stacey's work have been featured in The LA Times, Essence, Ebony, The Root, OkayPlayer, IndieWire, Shadow and Act, Colorlines, ScreenSlate, HuffPost Live and BET Online.
Stacey M. is an award winning writer/director and producer of narrative, documentary, broadcast and digital content as well as a social activist and cultural critic who has lectured on a broad range of topics including hiphop, pop culture,media,film,social justice issues,and most notably, the history of Black women filmmakers in cinema. A native of New Orleans, LA, Stacey has worked extensively to document and preserve hip hop culture and address social issues through film and media. Her work includes multimedia projects, music videos, arts and activism and social justice campaigns and award winning films including “I AM SEAN BELL, black boys speak, which made it’s film festival premiere at the PATOIS, New Orleans International Human Rights Film Festival. An official selection to the Media That Matters Film Festival, where it was awarded the “Speaking Out Award”, the film received international acclaim and toured with the HBO/ Media that Matters Film Festival screening for audiences worldwide. Her latest project, For Colored Boys, REDEMPTION starring Rob Morgan, Julito McCullum, Tim Reid and Jacinto Taras Riddick is currently on the festival circuit. The award winning series, Executive Produced by author, journalist and social justice activist, Dr. Marc Lamont Hill is preparing for it’s second season with new cast members Charles Dutton and Adesola Osakalumi. In 2009, Stacey co-founded “Intelligent Seedz” with Artist / Activist, Wise Intelligent. The organization is committed to equipping youth with the necessary tools to tell their stories through documentary film. Stacey's work have been featured in The LA Times, Essence, Ebony, The Root, OkayPlayer, IndieWire, Shadow and Act, Colorlines, ScreenSlate, HuffPost Live and BET Online.
Now more than ever independent artists thirst for an opportunity to be heard. Indie Review Radio is the catalyst to do just that. Each week the show will feature the best and greatest in the world of independent musicians artists and seasoned industry professionals. The show will include new music by indies, the latest in industry trends by seasoned industry professionals and a wealth of information for independent artists that are looking for what's next in their careers.
Now more than ever independent artists thirst for an opportunity to be heard. Indie Review Radio is the catalyst to do just that. Each week the show will feature the best and greatest in the world of independent musicians artists and seasoned industry professionals. The show will include new music by indies, the latest in industry trends by seasoned industry professionals and a wealth of information for independent artists that are looking for what's next in their careers.
With the ability to take his interpretation of sound and create a masterpiece, you have encountered a true craftsman in the world of music. Provided hits for JAY-Z, DMX, JA RULE, DIPSET, MUSIQ SOUL CHILD just to name a few. Self contributes to his field with passion and a desire that is second to none. This has made him one of the most sought after producers of his era. Supplying the entertainment industry with some of the best music of our time, Self has collectively earned over 20 platinum records along with 20+ years of experience in the music industry. Self has now brought his talents to the world of film and television combining his production experience with sound design and film scoring to create new innovative content to the world. In 2010, Self partnered up with Omar (02) White to start up True Sound MediaPlex, a successful multimedia facility in the Bronx, New York. VH1's Love and Hip Hop New York, BET, numerous independent television networks, and major artists on MMG were among their clientele.
Towering, boyishly handsome, and boasting a baritone dipped in the gravel and gravy of Southern soul, Marquis is one of the streets and the steeple. A committed man of dedicated faith and community service, Marquis is the anti-thesis of today’s R&B bad boys. Like his inspirations, Marquis started his stage life in front of the pews. Deriving from a rich family legacy of performers that includes blood ties to Phyllis Hyman, Debbie Allen, and Phylicia Rashad, Marquis traveled as a child performer in the “Family & Friends” gospel troupe. He rocked the church with preternaturally grown vocals until high school. A star-turning performance at a college show returned Marquis to music and later membership with the R&B quartet, Mass Appeal. Soon joining up with Babyface’s production team, Marquis further refined his music and engineering skills, working with future Finding My Way producer, Jeremy “Cochise” Ball, Thank You producer, Angelo Ray, as well as the legendary Gerald Levert and the Rude Boys. In 2009, Marquis independently released the FMW2.5 mixtape. While Marquis debut and mixtape told of his broken engagement, 2011’s Authentic was more introspective. Moody blues and torch ballad rich, Authentic was a raw, transparent portrait of a man struggling with hard decisions at life’s crossroads. Singing about broken families, lost love, and the roughness of the industry climb prompted Marquis to take a hiatus to make peace with family, study, and re-discover his spirituality and church. Largely written and recorded in five days with sole producer Angelo Ray, the more up-tempo Thank You is a love letter to everyone who stuck by and loved Marquis through his turmoil and evolution into manhood.
Towering, boyishly handsome, and boasting a baritone dipped in the gravel and gravy of Southern soul, Marquis is one of the streets and the steeple. A committed man of dedicated faith and community service, Marquis is the anti-thesis of today’s R&B bad boys. Like his inspirations, Marquis started his stage life in front of the pews. Deriving from a rich family legacy of performers that includes blood ties to Phyllis Hyman, Debbie Allen, and Phylicia Rashad, Marquis traveled as a child performer in the “Family & Friends” gospel troupe. He rocked the church with preternaturally grown vocals until high school. A star-turning performance at a college show returned Marquis to music and later membership with the R&B quartet, Mass Appeal. Soon joining up with Babyface’s production team, Marquis further refined his music and engineering skills, working with future Finding My Way producer, Jeremy “Cochise” Ball, Thank You producer, Angelo Ray, as well as the legendary Gerald Levert and the Rude Boys. In 2009, Marquis independently released the FMW2.5 mixtape. While Marquis debut and mixtape told of his broken engagement, 2011’s Authentic was more introspective. Moody blues and torch ballad rich, Authentic was a raw, transparent portrait of a man struggling with hard decisions at life’s crossroads. Singing about broken families, lost love, and the roughness of the industry climb prompted Marquis to take a hiatus to make peace with family, study, and re-discover his spirituality and church. Largely written and recorded in five days with sole producer Angelo Ray, the more up-tempo Thank You is a love letter to everyone who stuck by and loved Marquis through his turmoil and evolution into manhood.
Now more than ever independent artists thirst for an opportunity to be heard. Indie Review Radio is the catalyst to do just that. Each week the show will feature the best and greatest in the world of independent musicians artists and seasoned industry professionals. The show will include new music by indies, the latest in industry trends by seasoned industry professionals and a wealth of information for independent artists that are looking for what's next in their careers.
Now more than ever independent artists thirst for an opportunity to be heard. Indie Review Radio is the catalyst to do just that. Each week the show will feature the best and greatest in the world of independent musicians artists and seasoned industry professionals. The show will include new music by indies, the latest in industry trends by seasoned industry professionals and a wealth of information for independent artists that are looking for what's next in their careers.
Shawnee Braggs is an amazing caterer that has tantalized the taste buds of many a celebrity, political figure and foodie for over 10 years. Known for her creative dishes and exotic marriage of foods, she has become one of the most sought after caterer on both coasts. Well one bite of a meal prepared by Shawnee Briggs and it just doesn’t matter. Some may say she is a cook because the food is prepared with such love and endearment that it’s as if you are sitting at Grandma’s table for Sunday dinner. Others may attest that she has to be a Chef because of the flawless presentation and the skillful manner in which she prepares her meals. Both would be absolutely correct. Whether you are savoring the flavor of her pan seared Salmon or enjoying the warm and fuzzy feeling of her mac & cheese, you must attest, the food is AMAZING. There is something undeniably regal about her food presentation. At any given setting you can sample one of her signature dishes like fruit or shrimp on a bed of roses. These are attributed to her grandmother Rose, which she finds as a source of inspiration to this day. Her ability to create art with her food has not gone unnoticed. Her catering company, Cater By Shawnee, brags of a client list of artists and celebrities the likes of Aretha Franklin, Sean “P. Diddy” Combs, Fifty Cent, Essence magazine, Malaak Rock, Dwayne Wade (Miami Heat), the Prime minister of Antigua and Wendy Williams (radio / television host) as a short list. She has been featured on FatBoy Radio, XM Satellite and was at one point a regular on the Wendy Williams Show and made The Network Journal’s 40 under 40 List. Shawnee’s hard work has not gone unnoticed. She has garnered the attention of a major network and will be shooting a pilot for the show at the end of the month.
Shawnee Braggs is an amazing caterer that has tantalized the taste buds of many a celebrity, political figure and foodie for over 10 years. Known for her creative dishes and exotic marriage of foods, she has become one of the most sought after caterer on both coasts. Well one bite of a meal prepared by Shawnee Briggs and it just doesn’t matter. Some may say she is a cook because the food is prepared with such love and endearment that it’s as if you are sitting at Grandma’s table for Sunday dinner. Others may attest that she has to be a Chef because of the flawless presentation and the skillful manner in which she prepares her meals. Both would be absolutely correct. Whether you are savoring the flavor of her pan seared Salmon or enjoying the warm and fuzzy feeling of her mac & cheese, you must attest, the food is AMAZING. There is something undeniably regal about her food presentation. At any given setting you can sample one of her signature dishes like fruit or shrimp on a bed of roses. These are attributed to her grandmother Rose, which she finds as a source of inspiration to this day. Her ability to create art with her food has not gone unnoticed. Her catering company, Cater By Shawnee, brags of a client list of artists and celebrities the likes of Aretha Franklin, Sean “P. Diddy” Combs, Fifty Cent, Essence magazine, Malaak Rock, Dwayne Wade (Miami Heat), the Prime minister of Antigua and Wendy Williams (radio / television host) as a short list. She has been featured on FatBoy Radio, XM Satellite and was at one point a regular on the Wendy Williams Show and made The Network Journal’s 40 under 40 List. Shawnee’s hard work has not gone unnoticed. She has garnered the attention of a major network and will be shooting a pilot for the show at the end of the month.
Now more than ever independent artists thirst for an opportunity to be heard. Indie Review Radio is the catalyst to do just that. Each week the show will feature the best and greatest in the world of independent musicians artists and seasoned industry professionals. The show will include new music by indies, the latest in industry trends by seasoned industry professionals and a wealth of information for independent artists that are looking for what's next in their careers.
Engaging niche audiences for two decades, Yalanda learned early on that in order to impact change, one has to make an impact through media. Specializing in marketing strategies which accelerate contagion to create buzz in order to grow businesses. Social media framer recognized by BlackWeb20.com as one of the Top 100 Black Women on Twitter. Recognized by UberSocial (formerly UberTwitter as the one of the Top 30 Content Creators of African American Culture Content. The activist needs an advocate and storyteller. Building on an African Proverb “Until the lion has a storyteller, the hunter will always have the best part of the story,” and a desire to see a different story on the front page of local and national news, Yalanda became the storyteller. Seeing is believing and ownership is key. Born from a passion for community organizing, media and writing, Yalanda developed a community newsletter which grew popular in Atlanta salons and other socialized venues. Add to that, pioneering skills with the Internet and an ability to engage audiences in conversation, the storyteller soon found her way online with live Internet radio after our country experienced back to back tragedies from Columbine to September 11th to simply listening to soldiers fighting a new war. Yalanda Lattimore brought conversations women were having in salons and men in barbershops online for a more cohesive conversation connecting like minds. A self taught webmaster and blogging pioneer, DryerBuzz.com was born March 13, 2002. An international audience followed the storyteller from the early days of Internet radio back to Atlanta for the daily buzz behind the buzz. Today, DryerBuzz.com influences a social world, is award winning for its storytelling, and is one of the most trusted by celebrities judging from the sites headlines and podcasts.
Now more than ever independent artists thirst for an opportunity to be heard. Indie Review Radio is the catalyst to do just that. Each week the show will feature the best and greatest in the world of independent musicians artists and seasoned industry professionals. The show will include new music by indies, the latest in industry trends by seasoned industry professionals and a wealth of information for independent artists that are looking for what's next in their careers.
Big Ced is the creator of The Industry Cosign, a community for people working or interested in the urban entertainment industry and The 5 W's a popular networking event held weekly in New York City.
Marcus Dawson, singer/songwriter, Pastor and entrepreneur, is a Georgia native born with purpose and the drive to fulfill destiny. He is a visionary whose objective is to display God’s love and mercy with the world through music and ministry. Coming from a lineage of pastors, Marcus would soon accept the call to establish his own church as founder and Pastor of Called To Worship Church International located in Thomson G.A. Working as minister and praise team leader at the Martin Tabernacle Free Church of God in Christ at the age of 15 gave Marcus great insight and practicality of what it would take to cultivate his pastoral anointing as well as his musical craft. As Pastor, his revelatory teachings and his creative approach to preaching has deemed him one of the most trend-setting, diverse pastors of Thomson G.A. Though this is his main platform, it is his golden voice and eclectic style of worship that has allowed him to rub shoulders with some of the most dynamic and influential artists in the industry.Some of Marcus’ greatest accomplishments include performing at the James Brown Music Festival, participating in T.D Jakes Mega Fest and sharing the stage with Clifton Davis of the classic sitcom Amen. He has teamed up and collaborated with the likes of Canton Jones, Deborah Killings, Joanne Rosario, Antonio Neal, Ashmont Hill, Jonathan Phillips, L.G Wise, Darlene McCoy, James Fortune, Dwayne Woods, Earnest Pughe, Wes Morgan, and Karima Kibble of Virtue. He has shared the stage with Grammy Award winning artists such as, Tasha Cobbs, Pastor William Murphy, Stellar-Award winning Pastor Kim Burrell, chart topping Ms. Kierra “Kiki” Sheard, and has participated in two events with Mali Music. He has also shared the stage with Sunday’s Best Corey Webb and gospel sensation Travis Greene.
Marcus Dawson, singer/songwriter, Pastor and entrepreneur, is a Georgia native born with purpose and the drive to fulfill destiny. He is a visionary whose objective is to display God’s love and mercy with the world through music and ministry. Coming from a lineage of pastors, Marcus would soon accept the call to establish his own church as founder and Pastor of Called To Worship Church International located in Thomson G.A. Working as minister and praise team leader at the Martin Tabernacle Free Church of God in Christ at the age of 15 gave Marcus great insight and practicality of what it would take to cultivate his pastoral anointing as well as his musical craft. As Pastor, his revelatory teachings and his creative approach to preaching has deemed him one of the most trend-setting, diverse pastors of Thomson G.A. Though this is his main platform, it is his golden voice and eclectic style of worship that has allowed him to rub shoulders with some of the most dynamic and influential artists in the industry.Some of Marcus’ greatest accomplishments include performing at the James Brown Music Festival, participating in T.D Jakes Mega Fest and sharing the stage with Clifton Davis of the classic sitcom Amen. He has teamed up and collaborated with the likes of Canton Jones, Deborah Killings, Joanne Rosario, Antonio Neal, Ashmont Hill, Jonathan Phillips, L.G Wise, Darlene McCoy, James Fortune, Dwayne Woods, Earnest Pughe, Wes Morgan, and Karima Kibble of Virtue. He has shared the stage with Grammy Award winning artists such as, Tasha Cobbs, Pastor William Murphy, Stellar-Award winning Pastor Kim Burrell, chart topping Ms. Kierra “Kiki” Sheard, and has participated in two events with Mali Music. He has also shared the stage with Sunday’s Best Corey Webb and gospel sensation Travis Greene.
Marcus Dawson, singer/songwriter, Pastor and entrepreneur, is a Georgia native born with purpose and the drive to fulfill destiny. He is a visionary whose objective is to display God’s love and mercy with the world through music and ministry. Coming from a lineage of pastors, Marcus would soon accept the call to establish his own church as founder and Pastor of Called To Worship Church International located in Thomson G.A. Working as minister and praise team leader at the Martin Tabernacle Free Church of God in Christ at the age of 15 gave Marcus great insight and practicality of what it would take to cultivate his pastoral anointing as well as his musical craft. As Pastor, his revelatory teachings and his creative approach to preaching has deemed him one of the most trend-setting, diverse pastors of Thomson G.A. Though this is his main platform, it is his golden voice and eclectic style of worship that has allowed him to rub shoulders with some of the most dynamic and influential artists in the industry.Some of Marcus’ greatest accomplishments include performing at the James Brown Music Festival, participating in T.D Jakes Mega Fest and sharing the stage with Clifton Davis of the classic sitcom Amen. He has teamed up and collaborated with the likes of Canton Jones, Deborah Killings, Joanne Rosario, Antonio Neal, Ashmont Hill, Jonathan Phillips, L.G Wise, Darlene McCoy, James Fortune, Dwayne Woods, Earnest Pughe, Wes Morgan, and Karima Kibble of Virtue. He has shared the stage with Grammy Award winning artists such as, Tasha Cobbs, Pastor William Murphy, Stellar-Award winning Pastor Kim Burrell, chart topping Ms. Kierra “Kiki” Sheard, and has participated in two events with Mali Music. He has also shared the stage with Sunday’s Best Corey Webb and gospel sensation Travis Greene.
Marcus Dawson, singer/songwriter, Pastor and entrepreneur, is a Georgia native born with purpose and the drive to fulfill destiny. He is a visionary whose objective is to display God’s love and mercy with the world through music and ministry. Coming from a lineage of pastors, Marcus would soon accept the call to establish his own church as founder and Pastor of Called To Worship Church International located in Thomson G.A. Working as minister and praise team leader at the Martin Tabernacle Free Church of God in Christ at the age of 15 gave Marcus great insight and practicality of what it would take to cultivate his pastoral anointing as well as his musical craft. As Pastor, his revelatory teachings and his creative approach to preaching has deemed him one of the most trend-setting, diverse pastors of Thomson G.A. Though this is his main platform, it is his golden voice and eclectic style of worship that has allowed him to rub shoulders with some of the most dynamic and influential artists in the industry.Some of Marcus’ greatest accomplishments include performing at the James Brown Music Festival, participating in T.D Jakes Mega Fest and sharing the stage with Clifton Davis of the classic sitcom Amen. He has teamed up and collaborated with the likes of Canton Jones, Deborah Killings, Joanne Rosario, Antonio Neal, Ashmont Hill, Jonathan Phillips, L.G Wise, Darlene McCoy, James Fortune, Dwayne Woods, Earnest Pughe, Wes Morgan, and Karima Kibble of Virtue. He has shared the stage with Grammy Award winning artists such as, Tasha Cobbs, Pastor William Murphy, Stellar-Award winning Pastor Kim Burrell, chart topping Ms. Kierra “Kiki” Sheard, and has participated in two events with Mali Music. He has also shared the stage with Sunday’s Best Corey Webb and gospel sensation Travis Greene.
Now more than ever independent artists thirst for an opportunity to be heard. Indie Review Radio is the catalyst to do just that. Each week the show will feature the best and greatest in the world of independent musicians artists and seasoned industry professionals. The show will include new music by indies, the latest in industry trends by seasoned industry professionals and a wealth of information for independent artists that are looking for what's next in their careers.
Fresh off the release of the deluxe version of his new self-titled album, two-time GRAMMY® award-winner Timothy Bloom is excited about the future. Recently named a VH-1 Soul “You Oughta Know Artist,” Timothy Bloom is on the move. Forged from a childhood of diverse experiences, powered by a kaleidoscope of musical influences, Timothy’s music defies category and refuses to be put in a box. But my music is ultimately a fusion of many influences. I could never see myself doing one type of music. When anyone asks me who I’d like to work or tour with, I answer everybody.”He started early. Timothy was introduced to various cultures and lifestyles as his father’s service as an army chaplain took the family to such varied locales as Germany, Alaska and Oklahoma. His parents, both pastors, only allowed their five children to listen to gospel music. One day Timothy “ran away”, meaning he spirited away the keys, and snuck out to the car to turn on the radio. The first song that came on was Bob Dylan’s “Lay, Lady, Lay.” Seven year-old Timothy was amazed, and inspired. Timothy’s refreshing voice and sound reflect the multiple influences of his musical heroes and his varied upbringing. He attributes his unique blend to the styles he heard growing up. His favorite singers were the likes of Stevie Wonder, Donny Hathaway, Johnny Mathis, Frank Sinatra, Jeff Buckley because “those type of cats had tone and texture.” Timothy’s tone and texture caught the eye of skilled musicians early on. He began his career as a songwriter and producer writing for the incomparable Smokey Robinson (“My World”, “Fallin in Love”). Timothy then moved on to writing and producing GRAMMY® award-winning songs for both Ne-Yo (“Say it” on Because of You) and Chris Brown (“All Back” on F.A.M.E).
Fresh off the release of the deluxe version of his new self-titled album, two-time GRAMMY® award-winner Timothy Bloom is excited about the future. Recently named a VH-1 Soul “You Oughta Know Artist,” Timothy Bloom is on the move. Forged from a childhood of diverse experiences, powered by a kaleidoscope of musical influences, Timothy’s music defies category and refuses to be put in a box. But my music is ultimately a fusion of many influences. I could never see myself doing one type of music. When anyone asks me who I’d like to work or tour with, I answer everybody.”He started early. Timothy was introduced to various cultures and lifestyles as his father’s service as an army chaplain took the family to such varied locales as Germany, Alaska and Oklahoma. His parents, both pastors, only allowed their five children to listen to gospel music. One day Timothy “ran away”, meaning he spirited away the keys, and snuck out to the car to turn on the radio. The first song that came on was Bob Dylan’s “Lay, Lady, Lay.” Seven year-old Timothy was amazed, and inspired. Timothy’s refreshing voice and sound reflect the multiple influences of his musical heroes and his varied upbringing. He attributes his unique blend to the styles he heard growing up. His favorite singers were the likes of Stevie Wonder, Donny Hathaway, Johnny Mathis, Frank Sinatra, Jeff Buckley because “those type of cats had tone and texture.” Timothy’s tone and texture caught the eye of skilled musicians early on. He began his career as a songwriter and producer writing for the incomparable Smokey Robinson (“My World”, “Fallin in Love”). Timothy then moved on to writing and producing GRAMMY® award-winning songs for both Ne-Yo (“Say it” on Because of You) and Chris Brown (“All Back” on F.A.M.E).
Marvin Church is hailed as one of the industries most talented and passionate professionals. He is a prominent Image Consultant specializing in Male Grooming for film, television, and discerning gentlemen. He is a visionary and consummate craftsman who lives by his creed of, “grooming is a lifestyle” and “personal image is everything.” Also known as “Marv the Barb,” he has been honing his craft for over the past 20 years, coast to coast while based in the heart of Washington DC. DC’s top lawyers, politicians and power players as well as Hollywood’s leading celebrities, comedians and athletes, have sought him out. His uncompromising style and talent have led him to work numerous media events, film and television presentations such as the Espy’s Awards and the BET Honors. Marvin’s work has been featured in the pages of Washingtonian, in Nike commercials (Kevin Durant), MSNBC (Chef Roble), Ebony, and Jet Magazine on CNN, BET, FOX, and various advertisement campaigns as a celebrated barber for The Art of Shaving and in 2004, he won Oster’s Golden Clippers Award. Marvin’s passion and dedication in giving back to the hair industry has inspired him to become an Educator and Image Consultant. He teaches the 12 Step Shave at Bennet Hair Institute symposium and has attracted companies such as Xfusion, Toppik, El Patron and Mixed Chicks that have aligned themselves with his brand. Marvin is a member of International Barbers Association, National Cosmetologist Association, United Nations and Chamber of Commerce, working as President of The Gentlemen’s Grooming Society and has recently launched Harry James, a line of organic grooming products
Marvin Church is hailed as one of the industries most talented and passionate professionals. He is a prominent Image Consultant specializing in Male Grooming for film, television, and discerning gentlemen. He is a visionary and consummate craftsman who lives by his creed of, “grooming is a lifestyle” and “personal image is everything.” Also known as “Marv the Barb,” he has been honing his craft for over the past 20 years, coast to coast while based in the heart of Washington DC. DC’s top lawyers, politicians and power players as well as Hollywood’s leading celebrities, comedians and athletes, have sought him out. His uncompromising style and talent have led him to work numerous media events, film and television presentations such as the Espy’s Awards and the BET Honors. Marvin’s work has been featured in the pages of Washingtonian, in Nike commercials (Kevin Durant), MSNBC (Chef Roble), Ebony, and Jet Magazine on CNN, BET, FOX, and various advertisement campaigns as a celebrated barber for The Art of Shaving and in 2004, he won Oster’s Golden Clippers Award. Marvin’s passion and dedication in giving back to the hair industry has inspired him to become an Educator and Image Consultant. He teaches the 12 Step Shave at Bennet Hair Institute symposium and has attracted companies such as Xfusion, Toppik, El Patron and Mixed Chicks that have aligned themselves with his brand. Marvin is a member of International Barbers Association, National Cosmetologist Association, United Nations and Chamber of Commerce, working as President of The Gentlemen’s Grooming Society and has recently launched Harry James, a line of organic grooming products
Kelly spent 15 yrs as a marketing executive in the entertainment industry. During that time she marketed/ promoted recording artists from obscure unknowns to popular household names. Many of them received Grammy Awards and multi-platinum status. In 2005 it all came to an end, when the debilitating effects of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) became too much to manage in the fast paced, stressful world of entertainment. Kelly recently launched The Abilities WORKS! Project (AWP). The AWP is dedicated to promoting entrepreneurship, career advancement and workforce development for people with disabilities; and of course, building their personal brand. As someone living with Multiple Sclerosis and as an entrepreneur, she knows first hand the challenges that are faced and the resources needed to overcome those challenges. Kelly’s very first live event, an Economic Employment Empowerment Summit, took place in Atlanta to commemorate National Disability Employment Awareness Month. The Summit was also put together to benefit care partners and family members of people with disabilities. Kelly has another company, Insider Branding Secrets, which empowers passionate but struggling solo service entrepreneurs to build powerful brands, develop magnetic, compelling marketing messages, identify that ideal target audience, attract more clients, more visibility & more money. Using the Insider Branding Secrets she's learned after yrs of marketing success, Kelly is able to provide the effective tools and easy-to-implement strategies to increase visibility and income. Some of the artists Kelly has worked with include Mary J. Blige, P.Diddy, Erykah Badu, Jill Scott, Queen Latifah. In an attempt to find alternative ways of treating MS, Kelly was introduced to a health wellness coach and got hooked. She decided to get certified as a wellness coach and begin a new career that she blends with her branding company.
On Sep 30, International Sustainability and Green Technology pioneer, Onaje Jackson, announced the unveiling of the Sustainable Action For Everyone Program (S.A.F.E Earth). S.A.F.E Earth is a first of its kind, website designed to support the growth of a global grass roots sustainability movement that will bring about global balance. The online portal will make available all of the necessary tools to save Mother Earth and place them right at your fingertips. It includes a resource center designed to provide technical support for both the collective and individuals that are committed to the cause, as well as big bold apps that gives you step by step instructions on everything you ever wanted to know about being green on and off line. Sustainable Systems and Design International (SSDI) will roll out a comprehensive sustainability support program designed to bring Sustainable Action For Everyone utilizing a variety of tools including a resource center that includes affordable apps, a guide to sustainable action, on-line webinars, and product advertising sales. S.A.F.E. Earth seeks to support the global collective action that will help make this audacious goal a reality. Onaje is a 25 plus sustainability pioneer. He is a graduate of MIT and Yale University with Degrees in Architecture and Applied Science and City Planning. Some of his most notable projects include the organization of the 1st US PV Think Tank workshop to explore integration of PV technology in buildings, organized a sustainable water infrastructure project for the World Bank, leading the team that designed and installed wind and solar powered water delivery systems for the interior Amerindian village of Annai in Guyana.
Now more than ever independent artists thirst for an opportunity to be heard. Indie Review Radio is the catalyst to do just that. Each week the show will feature the best and greatest in the world of independent musicians artists and seasoned industry professionals. The show will include new music by indies, the latest in industry trends by seasoned industry professionals and a wealth of information for independent artists that are looking for what's next in their careers.
Now more than ever independent artists thirst for an opportunity to be heard. Indie Review Radio is the catalyst to do just that. Each week the show will feature the best and greatest in the world of independent musicians artists and seasoned industry professionals. The show will include new music by indies, the latest in industry trends by seasoned industry professionals and a wealth of information for independent artists that are looking for what's next in their careers.
On Sep 30, International Sustainability and Green Technology pioneer, Onaje Jackson, announced the unveiling of the Sustainable Action For Everyone Program (S.A.F.E Earth). S.A.F.E Earth is a first of its kind, website designed to support the growth of a global grass roots sustainability movement that will bring about global balance. The online portal will make available all of the necessary tools to save Mother Earth and place them right at your fingertips. It includes a resource center designed to provide technical support for both the collective and individuals that are committed to the cause, as well as big bold apps that gives you step by step instructions on everything you ever wanted to know about being green on and off line. Sustainable Systems and Design International (SSDI) will roll out a comprehensive sustainability support program designed to bring Sustainable Action For Everyone utilizing a variety of tools including a resource center that includes affordable apps, a guide to sustainable action, on-line webinars, and product advertising sales. S.A.F.E. Earth seeks to support the global collective action that will help make this audacious goal a reality. Onaje is a 25 plus sustainability pioneer. He is a graduate of MIT and Yale University with Degrees in Architecture and Applied Science and City Planning. Some of his most notable projects include the organization of the 1st US PV Think Tank workshop to explore integration of PV technology in buildings, organized a sustainable water infrastructure project for the World Bank, leading the team that designed and installed wind and solar powered water delivery systems for the interior Amerindian village of Annai in Guyana.
Now more than ever independent artists thirst for an opportunity to be heard. Indie Review Radio is the catalyst to do just that. Each week the show will feature the best and greatest in the world of independent musicians artists and seasoned industry professionals. The show will include new music by indies, the latest in industry trends by seasoned industry professionals and a wealth of information for independent artists that are looking for what's next in their careers.
Now more than ever independent artists thirst for an opportunity to be heard. Indie Review Radio is the catalyst to do just that. Each week the show will feature the best and greatest in the world of independent musicians artists and seasoned industry professionals. The show will include new music by indies, the latest in industry trends by seasoned industry professionals and a wealth of information for independent artists that are looking for what's next in their careers.
Now more than ever independent artists thirst for an opportunity to be heard. Indie Review Radio is the catalyst to do just that. Each week the show will feature the best and greatest in the world of independent musicians artists and seasoned industry professionals. The show will include new music by indies, the latest in industry trends by seasoned industry professionals and a wealth of information for independent artists that are looking for what's next in their careers.
Now more than ever independent artists thirst for an opportunity to be heard. Indie Review Radio is the catalyst to do just that. Each week the show will feature the best and greatest in the world of independent musicians artists and seasoned industry professionals. The show will include new music by indies, the latest in industry trends by seasoned industry professionals and a wealth of information for independent artists that are looking for what's next in their careers.
Now more than ever independent artists thirst for an opportunity to be heard. Indie Review Radio is the catalyst to do just that. Each week the show will feature the best and greatest in the world of independent musicians artists and seasoned industry professionals. The show will include new music by indies, the latest in industry trends by seasoned industry professionals and a wealth of information for independent artists that are looking for what's next in their careers.
Now more than ever independent artists thirst for an opportunity to be heard. Indie Review Radio is the catalyst to do just that. Each week the show will feature the best and greatest in the world of independent musicians artists and seasoned industry professionals. The show will include new music by indies, the latest in industry trends by seasoned industry professionals and a wealth of information for independent artists that are looking for what's next in their careers.
Devoted, Hard-working, Transcendent are just a few adjectives to describe this Publisher, Fashion, Hair & Beauty industry connoisseur who continues to set trends in the publishing, fashion, hair & beauty world still to date. Born and raised in Queens, New York, Marilyn Bell has carved out a successful career behind the scenes for more than 16 years. Marilyn Bell started as Creative Fashion Director for popular media which consisted of coordinating photo shoots and publicity. Serving as Editor in Chief for a variety of worldwide noted Hair & Beauty Magazines such as Black Celebrity Hair Styles 101, Celebrity Styles, Natural Hair & Braids, Black Radiance and Hairstyles; In May of 2004 Marilyn helped put a deal together to purchase Black Elegance from Flash Publishing which made Black Elegance (BE) Magazine 100 PERCENT AFRICAN AMERICAN OWNED. Marilyn transformed a once declining magazine into a muse in the publishing world. But Marilyn wasn't always sure of her position in the arduous world of publishing, fashion, hair & beauty."The Publishing, Fashion, Beauty & Hair industry can be cut throat and resistant to Black Women" she continues, “You have to plant your feet with certainty and work hard to gain respect.” Not shortly after emerging on the scene, Marilyn made an influential imprint for many women of color to prevail. Credited for lending her expertise as Hair & Beauty Editor for MOC Radio Magazine, and worked with famed celebrities such as John Legend, P. Diddy, Brandy, Lil Kim, Keyshia Cole, and Robin Givens, just to name a few. Devoted to helping budding talent hone their crafts, Marilyn is currently developing an online media boutique for artistic creative talent, The Marilyn Bell Agency (MBA).
Now more than ever independent artists thirst for an opportunity to be heard. Indie Review Radio is the catalyst to do just that. Each week the show will feature the best and greatest in the world of independent musicians artists and seasoned industry professionals. The show will include new music by indies, the latest in industry trends by seasoned industry professionals and a wealth of information for independent artists that are looking for what's next in their careers.
Now more than ever independent artists thirst for an opportunity to be heard. Indie Review Radio is the catalyst to do just that. Each week the show will feature the best and greatest in the world of independent musicians artists and seasoned industry professionals. The show will include new music by indies, the latest in industry trends by seasoned industry professionals and a wealth of information for independent artists that are looking for what's next in their careers.
Now more than ever independent artists thirst for an opportunity to be heard. Indie Review Radio is the catalyst to do just that. Each week the show will feature the best and greatest in the world of independent musicians artists and seasoned industry professionals. The show will include new music by indies, the latest in industry trends by seasoned industry professionals and a wealth of information for independent artists that are looking for what's next in their careers.
Born in, raised in and eventually paroled from Patchogue, New York, Michael graduated from Marist College where he studied TV and Film Production. While in school, Michael was a member of the sketch/improv comedy troupe, a weekly columnist for the newspaper, a writer and actor for the college TV station and the host of a weekly radio show. Soon after graduating, Michael wrote Subway, his first screenplay. He followed that with a prolific five-year period during which he wrote seven screenplays, four short stories, two novellas and his memoir The Burnout Chronicles. During this same period, he studied acting with William Esper and John Dapolito. His screenplay Inspiration Therapy was optioned by World Film Services and several other scripts were finalists in national screenplay competitions like Project Greenlight and Final Draft Big Break. A member of the Writers Guild of America, Michael’s teleplay Brainstorm, which he wrote in the traumatic aftermath of the 2008 presidential election, was developed by World Film Services and shopped to various networks. Shortly after, he was hired to write a biographical novel which would become his second book, Broken. As an actor, Michael is a proud member of the Screen Actors Guild and has appeared in numerous independent films.In June of 2008, Michael wrote the first draft of Maybe Tomorrow. He would also direct and star in the film. “Maybe Tomorrow” an independent political intrigue drama by NYC resident Michael Wolfe, has begun its Video On Demand rollout with its debut on Blue Ridge Communications Cable System, Verizon Fios , Atlantic Broadband, WOW Cable and others. “Maybe Tomorrow” revolves around three estranged friends who finally examine how a covered up crime from their pasts has affected the course of their lives.
Now more than ever independent artists thirst for an opportunity to be heard. Indie Review Radio is the catalyst to do just that. Each week the show will feature the best and greatest in the world of independent musicians artists and seasoned industry professionals. The show will include new music by indies, the latest in industry trends by seasoned industry professionals and a wealth of information for independent artists that are looking for what's next in their careers.
Now more than ever independent artists thirst for an opportunity to be heard. Indie Review Radio is the catalyst to do just that. Each week the show will feature the best and greatest in the world of independent musicians artists and seasoned industry professionals. The show will include new music by indies, the latest in industry trends by seasoned industry professionals and a wealth of information for independent artists that are looking for what's next in their careers.
Now more than ever independent artists thirst for an opportunity to be heard. Indie Review Radio is the catalyst to do just that. Each week the show will feature the best and greatest in the world of independent musicians artists and seasoned industry professionals. The show will include new music by indies, the latest in industry trends by seasoned industry professionals and a wealth of information for independent artists that are looking for what's next in their careers.
Indie producer Reggie Scott will join us to talk about the upcoming ABFF film fest in New York as well as other events his company The Pepper Shaker is involved with.
About PepperShaker: The PepperShaker Company Inc. is a production and special events company that has made an "indelible" mark onto the entertainment and corporate worlds with an array of clients and special projects, which showcases our diverse talent for producing film, video and special events. Our professionalism and creative standards have positioned us to be a leader in the production and event planning industry. Founder and President Reggie Scott has been the leader and creative energy behind The PepperShaker Company Inc. since its inception in 1994. With over seventeen years of experience, Scott has garnered the attention of A-list clients that include; The American Black Film Festival, The Children's Aid Society, Icon Awards, Urban Sports and Entertainment Group, Bayou Classic, Ford Motor Company, Pro-Line, Kraft Food Inc., Burger King, United States Marines, Film Life Inc., American Honda Motor Company Inc., UniWorld Group Inc., the city of Atlantic Beach, South Carolina to name a few. The production side of our company has produced video and film projects for such clients as: American Honda Motor company, R&B recording artist New Edition, Ford Motor Company and the American Black Film Festival to name a few. We have been responsible for the overall operation and management of events where we have developed and implemented the structure for employment management, budgeting, staff development, scheduling, production, and programming for our clients. In addition, we also negotiate all technical, production and onsite services contracts for the events we are involved with.
Now more than ever independent artists thirst for an opportunity to be heard. Indie Review Radio is the catalyst to do just that. Each week the show will feature the best and greatest in the world of independent musicians artists and seasoned industry professionals. The show will include new music by indies, the latest in industry trends by seasoned industry professionals and a wealth of information for independent artists that are looking for what's next in their careers.
Ayanna is no stranger to the entertainment world. While growing up as the daughter of celebrated Comedian and Human Rights Activist Dick Gregory, she was blessed with the opportunity to interact with such mega talents as Bob Marley, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, and Michael Jackson. But the glamour of the entertainment world isn’t what resonated most with her. Raised with a deep awareness and concern for Human Rights, Ayanna’s musical roots are steeped in the struggle of the “Freedom Movement”. Ayanna knew early on that her gift of song would be her gift to the struggle. In 1990, Ayanna became recognized as a powerful and progressive voice as a student activist at Howard University in Washington, D.C. Here she was called on to sing and speak at marches, rallies and anti-war demonstrations. From there and for the next decade, Ayanna would become a major voice within the various cultural, political, and spiritual movements in the nation’s capitol. In 1992, Ayanna joined 2000 Black, a “message music” project and went on to record, perform and tour with this group for the next six years. In 1999, Ayanna teamed up with grammy nominated producer James McKinney to bring forth her first solo project, “Beautiful Flower”, released in 2003. In June 2007, Ayanna released her second cd project, “Ballad For My Father: Tribute to Dick Gregory”. And her 2011 release, entitled “NOW”, is quietly becoming a powerful healing anthem around the country. Most recently, Ayanna has released her much anticipated Children’s Album entitled, “I DREAM A WORLD” in January 2013. In addition to her life as a soul singer, she spends much of her time as an educator and motivational speaker, teaching life skills and creative arts to school children and lecturing before diverse audiences.
Peppa boy is one of the most sought after indie artists in the South. As a talented producer, writer and musician, his music is designed for the masses and is received by all. His business sense finds him at the helm of his entertainment company, Colacoast Entertainment. Colacoast Entertainment is a lifestyle brand that creates music, film, television, and fashion and exposes the unique value of the Gulf Coast region to the world. Spanning four states within three hours (FL, AL, MS, LA), the Gulf Coast is a gumbo of flavor, also including Texas and Mexico further west. Focusing our music on corporate branding, Colacoast Entertainment's high brand value is attractive to companies seeking to boost their marketing campaigns. In addition to becoming a seasoned lyricist, Peppa also studied sports management with a concentration in golf at the University of Florida. He later earned a degree in petroleum technology from Baton Rouge Community College. While he did not graduate from UF, his time at UF was crucial in the development of becoming the artist he is today. While “pledging” for his fraternity, Kappa Alpha Psi, he would frequently be called upon to freestyle for the Big Brothers. He would go for hours at a time, entertaining them with street-oriented, pimpish, playamade flows. His sporty, game-spittin’ style, seasoned with his own original flavor and slang, earned him the name Peppaboy. Peppa also developed his stage presence and showmanship while attending UF through his performances in step show competitions and exhibitions. As “Kanemaster” of his chapter, he was responsible for choreographing all of their step shows and fast-became known for mesmerizing crowds of thousands with his kane-twirling ability.
Now more than ever independent artists thirst for an opportunity to be heard. Indie Review Radio is the catalyst to do just that. Each week the show will feature the best and greatest in the world of independent musicians artists and seasoned industry professionals. The show will include new music by indies, the latest in industry trends by seasoned industry professionals and a wealth of information for independent artists that are looking for what's next in their careers.
With over 18+ years in the entertainment industry- music industry maven Fiona Bloom launched The Bloom Effect in 2007. A unique one stop that specializes in branding for artists, labels, and lifestyle companies. The Bloom Effect brings a huge rolodex of global contacts from around the world to its clients providing a wealth of insight/knowledge and consultation for getting your project seen and heard. The Bloom Effect specializes in launch parties, international music events, live shows, album publicity, digital marketing, A&R consulting, and promotion. The Bloom Effect has produced over 1000 shows, consulted on 200+ album projects and has been a part of over 300 artists’ careers. The Bloom Effect clients have included The Lyricist Lounge, BabyGrande Records, Tommy Boy, Spectre Music, Penalty Recordings, MIDEM, Avery*Sunshine, Krissy Krissy, MarzLovejoy, StonesThrow Recordings, Mixtape Riot, Game, Bloomsbury, Simon and Schuster, Nelson George, Collette, Ashley Allen, Mudville, Aloe Blacc, Maya Azucena, Wayna, Bill Laswell, SOB’s, The Renaissance Hotel, Anthony David, Roxy Cottontail, Erin Barra, Terry Poison, Sway Dasafo, Saian Supa Crew, and others. The Bloom Effect has always prided itself in having its fingers on the pulse and always being ahead of the curve. The Bloom Effect understands and appreciates real and innovative talent without compromise. Whether you just need consulting, advice, publicity, want to put a listening party together or need some help with direction overseas--- The Bloom Effect is at your service. Just ask the clients. Creating The Buzz, Spreading The Bloom.
Now more than ever independent artists thirst for an opportunity to be heard. Indie Review Radio is the catalyst to do just that. Each week the show will feature the best and greatest in the world of independent musicians artists and seasoned industry professionals. The show will include new music by indies, the latest in industry trends by seasoned industry professionals and a wealth of information for independent artists that are looking for what's next in their careers.
Henry himself is perhaps best recognized around the world as the sweet toned trombonist featured in the Rebirth Brass Band, Galactic, and trumpeter Kermit Ruffins’ band, The Barbecue Swingers. He has also recorded and played with the Dirty Dozen, Treme and New Birth Brass Bands. He has imparted his fiery melodies on stages everywhere from New Orleans neighborhood barrooms to far away festivals before hundreds of thousands in Canada, Japan Australia, Brazil, Hungary, Spain and Thailand and command performances for the ambassadors of Senegal, Morocco, Egypt and Kuwait. Henry has been leading his own band for over 20 years. Like so many other eager young musicians in the Crescent City, he hung around older musicians to build his skills and develop his style. In 1985, the legendary musician, Anthony “Tuba Fats” Lacen, encouraged the 10-year-old prodigy, suggesting he put a band together. The Lil’ Rascals Brass Band has been together now for 26 years, still challenging second liners and rival bands with its hot beats. The ensemble has released two fine, very diverse albums. Since 2008, Henry has been touring with Galactic and has recorded 3 albums with them.In 2011, Henry started a new venture, establishing the Treme Funktet. It’s a funky sextet that’s comfortable moving from jazz to R&B and hip-hop, with an occasional visit to the second-line brass band style. In 2012 Henry won a Grammy Winner with the Rebirth Brass Band for the album Rebirth of New Orleans in the Best Regional Roots Category. Now working on his solo album, Corey Henry plans to pay tribute to all the veteran New Orleans musicians from whom he learned his craft, absorbing all they had to offer.
Respected entertainment journalist and blogger Maxx Hassell has come a long way since he was the ferocious teen who turned the Chicago industry business model upside down. Willing to take advantage of most every opportunity that came his way, the artist turned industry every man got away from the music that made him a Chicago legend as Em Dot. But like all cycles, Maxx Hassell has come full circle and is preparing his new EP Suite, The Wood Grain Diaries for an SS14 release. The Wood Grain Diaries was birthed in content by the state of today’s social media. An R&B re-working of Nas classic “One Mic” that Maxx titled “One Night” was created solely to engage his online family for Throwback Thursday. But the response has been overwhelming. UK publication Niji Magazine posted the SoundCloud link to the song along with an accompanying article and that was met with over 200 Facebook “likes” and “shares”, moving the “Introduction” feature past the traffic of all of the sites front page stories. This is attributed to Maxx’s small yet loyal fan base who have enjoyed his writing and celebrity interviews, but have been eager for him to find his way back to the studio. Though Maxx had been making a small buzz as the new kid in Atlanta, performing his last single “Take A Lil Back” with his dancers Serita and Pytron, he wanted this new song to fit within a proper context and before long, the concept for The Wood Grain Diaries came to fruition. The Wood Grain Diaries will be available to the public by late May/early June; just in time to be the soundtrack for the summer. If all goes well, The Wood Grain Diaries will re-establish Maxx Hassell’s presence on the music scene, and showcase a more mature and still willing artist ready to win.
Representing the Bellair section of Clearwater, Florida Peze (pronounced Peezy) is as raw as they come with a level of passion is rarely seen. Since the age of 8 the young rapper was determined to share his story with the world. As a by-product of the streets Peze was born to drug-addict parents. He never had the opportunity to meet his mother, whose life succumbed to drugs before he reached his 1st birthday. Writing was his expression the music; his language. Because he has been doing it for so long, it is no wonder that people connected to his pain, his experience, his struggles as well as his blessings. Today Peze is recognized as many things, talented being at the top of the list. Hot off the presses is his highly anticipated mixtape, “Pain For Glory”. His single “John Doe” has gotten love from many radio stations around the country. This collaborative project is hosted by DJ Smallz, one of the hottest DJs in the Florida. Finally, a culmination his passions, struggles, lessons, mistakes…his life! Told like no other, Peze’s project is sure to give us all an inside glimpse of what makes his story so intriguing, his struggle so relatable, his music so addictive and why he is the one to watch.
Spoken word artist, vocalist, actress, and educator. This one woman show swept through most of the east coast between 2000-and 2008 with her lyrical ability, claiming the much deserved title “Slam Queen”. Prior to her 2008 debut on Russell Simmon’s Peabody Award Winning HBO Def Poetry Jam, she has performed with such notable artists as Mos Def (Yassin Bey), KRS One, Lauryn Hill, Wise Intelligent of Poor Righteous Teachers, and Styles P, just to name a few. Narubi released her debut album “IAM LivingMath in 2010, and her sophomore album The Architect in 2012.
Cybel is the first and only African American woman to receive an MFA in Cinematography from NYU. Perhaps because she was named after 1962 Oscar winning film, “Sundays and Cybele”, this native New Yorker has set her sights on her own golden statue. She served as the Cinematographer for Dee Rees’ “Orange Bow” which premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival, for “Sangam” which was recognized for its deeply moody and textured palette and premiered at the Sundance Film Festival. Her feature work has included “Flora’s Garment Bursting into Bloom”, winner of the Showtime “No Limits” Award at the New Festival, addtl photography for the Slamdance Grand Jury Winner “On The Outs,” the criminal dramas “Dregs of Society” and “No Problem.” She has also been fortunate to team up with notable performance artists, most recently shooting “Forget Me Not” for artist Zach Fabri, commissioned by the Studio Museum of Harlem. She received considerable recognition for her work on “The Gilded Six Bits”. This 1920′s period piece set in the rural south and based on a Zora Neale Hurston story, won the Hollywood Black Film Festival Jury Award and special screenings at The Library of Congress, The Smithsonian and Museum of Natural History. The film featured Wendell Pierce (“The Wire”, “Treme”) and Chad Coleman (“The Walking Dead”). Cybel has contributed to numerous documentaries, notably Lucy Walker’s “The Crash Reel”, “Inside: The New Black Panther Party” for National Geographic, ”11 Days” dir by Dan Metcalf and prod by Mark Burnett and the Tribeca Film Festival “All Access Award” winner, “Dressed Like Kings”. Her commercial clients include L’Oreal, Hewlett Packard, Timberland, Calvin Klein, Nike, Sony Music and PBS.
Jaz-O is an emcee and record producer active in the late 1980s through the 1990s, best known for being the mentor of Jay-Z. Jaz is also known as the Originator and had a song called "The Originators" that featured a young Jay-Z in 1990. As The Jaz, he had success with his 1989 single "Hawaiian Sophie" from his debut album Word to the Jaz. He has been featured on some of Jay-Z's songs, (such as "Bring it On" from Reasonable Doubt), "Ain't No Nia", and the single "Nia What, Nia Who (Originator 99)" from Vol. 2: Hard Knock Life, where he was credited as Big Jaz. He also produced the single "Ain't No Nia" from Reasonable Doubt and the song "Rap Game/Crack Game" from In My Lifetime, Vol. 1. The album "Kingz Kounty (2002) - with The Immobilarie Present" marked the last time Jay-Z and mentor Jaz-O would ever collaborate. Besides being an emcee, he has produced songs for several hip hop artists other than Jay-Z, such as Group Home, M.O.P, Ras Kass, Rakim, Kool G Rap and others. The long standing feud between him and Jay-Z started when Jay-Z started Roc-A-Fella Records and he tried to convince Jaz-O and fellow rapper Sauce Money to sign with the label. They both refused. It is rumored that they didn't trust Roc-A-Fella records CEOs Damon Dash and Kareem "Biggs" Burke. In addition, they weren't satisfied with what they were to be receiving had they signed the contract, 300,000 dollars in Jaz-O's case.
Now more than ever independent artists thirst for an opportunity to be heard. Indie Review Radio is the catalyst to do just that. Each week the show will feature the best and greatest in the world of independent musicians artists and seasoned industry professionals. The show will include new music by indies, the latest in industry trends by seasoned industry professionals and a wealth of information for independent artists that are looking for what's next in their careers.
"A woman is the full circle. Within her is the power to create, nurture and transform.” This mantra is one that author Skyy Banks embodies. She is a native of Arkansas and a staunch advocate for HIV/AIDS awareness for women and girls. Banks is driven to educate and empower others on positive life style behaviors. She currently serves as the board chair for Aniz Inc. She enjoys reading, writing, traveling, and spending quality time with family. Using her writing as a platform, she encourages her readers to explore taboo subjects and engage in dialogue to find solutions. On any given day, Skyy is sure to be somewhere impacting lives through mentoring and other civic engagement. As a 2013 Rising in Community Excellence Award (R.I.C.E) recipient, Skyy was recognized for her work of raising awareness and empowering others in the metro Atlanta area about HIV (The Red Pump Project). The Rising in Community Excellence Award is given to individuals who exemplify professional excellence while edifying the community. RICE Award nominees are innovative and charitable visionaries who recognize the importance of their presence and contribution to the community.
Melanie Durrant is a seasoned veteran who embodies real artistry through her very unique, edgy and soulful music style. Born and raised in Toronto, Melanie attended the Earl Haig School of the Arts. She trained at the Royal Conservatory of Music and worked on an eclectic array of projects before she became an “alternative hip-hop soul” artist. Citing influences that range from the soulful swoon of Minne Ripperton to the hard-knock of Aerosmith to the “mercy me” melodies of Marvin Gaye, the radiant singer/songwriter has no problems crashing through the wall of sound. She has received multiple accolades though out her career including a Much Music Video Award nod for her single “Where I’m Going” and Stylus Awards winner for Single Of The Year for her song “Bang Bang” ft Kardinal Offishall. In 2013, Melanie Durrant's reggae influenced lovers rock single "Made For Love" was nominated for Reggae Single of the Year at the Juno Awards. Recently in February 2014, she received the 2nd Juno nomination of her career for R&B/Soul Recording of Year for her single "Gone". In addition to performing her own shows for audiences across Canada and the U.S., Melanie Durrant has shared the stage alongside Jay Z, 50 Cent, Jill Scott, Cissy Houston, Common, Sean Paul, Kardinal Offishall as well as many of Canada’s top artists. She has graced such magazines as Honey and Coco. Melanie has performed and done interviews with MuchMusic Canada, MTV Canada, Star Daily, CTV Network, GlobalTV to name a few. She has had a variety of video production releases under her belt aired nationally on MuchMusic Canada. Her songs have been in high rotation on toronto’s Flow 93.5 fm, G98.7 fm as well as other radio stations across Canada. Melanie Durrant’s music has been featured on numerous compilation releases and DJ mixtapes around the world.
Now more than ever independent artists thirst for an opportunity to be heard. Indie Review Radio is the catalyst to do just that. Each week the show will feature the best and greatest in the world of independent musicians artists and seasoned industry professionals. The show will include new music by indies, the latest in industry trends by seasoned industry professionals and a wealth of information for independent artists that are looking for what's next in their careers.
Now more than ever independent artists thirst for an opportunity to be heard. Indie Review Radio is the catalyst to do just that. Each week the show will feature the best and greatest in the world of independent musicians artists and seasoned industry professionals. The show will include new music by indies, the latest in industry trends by seasoned industry professionals and a wealth of information for independent artists that are looking for what's next in their careers.
In 1994, Kay began to see his career path change course after his Uncle Jimmy Henchman Rosemond, who was about to start his own management company, called him. Once entering the music industry Kay realized that art was not his only talent, as he quickly adapted to the scene and learned what something he feels very few comprehend – artists don’t live what they portray. It was at this time that Kay realized that the music business was in fact business first, and he began to actively increase his contacts. He was offered a job to work in the A&R department at the historic record label Motown while he was at Kedar Entertainment. Kay worked with a bevy of artists including Erykah Badu, Chico DeBarge, Lil’ Wayne, The Temptations and Joe. Kay-Kay is currently running his own music group.
From his early work with Big L, Nas to more recent work with Nicki Minaj, Busta Rhymes, Jim Jones, the producer-turned-artist has made his mark on Hip Hop and Top 40 music across the board. In 2010, Ron Browz released the Etherlibrium street album exclusively on iTunes via his own Ether Boy Records. The 16-track project included cameos from Maino, Red Café, J.R. Writer, with all production handled by Ron. Influenced by the sounds of DJ Premier, Dr. Dre, and Havoc, Ron Browz’s first big break came in 2000 when he produced four songs on the late Big L’s album, The Big Picture, including the classic track “Ebonics.” Big L taught Ron about the music business, and exposed him to a new network of contacts. Ron Browz soon found himself in an official deal with Universal Republic. By early 2010, a date was set for Ron’s major label debut album, however Browz opted out of his deal.
Saddi Khali is one of the most cutting edge photographers in the black community. His talents take him traveling all over the USA and across the globe to places like South Africa. His art breaks boundaries while at the same time redefining what we see as self love. His photography makes looking in the mirror a far more pleasurable experience, forcing many of us to love the skin we’re in. Saddi believes: Black people need to see images of themselves with humanity. Women beautiful regardless of size, shape or complexion. Men strong, sensitive and loving. Parents and children caring plus happy. Couples in love in warm intimate moments; as lovers, sensual & sexy but not nasty even when we’re nasty. I DO know how my folks are being fooled and misrepresented in arts/media. I DO know how its affecting us. So, all the work I do is in the intention of combating that.
Moikgantsi Kgama is the founder of ImageNation. A former audience development specialist for independent films targeting communities of color, Moikgantsi built a reputation for excellence in her field. She has been credited with the successful launch of Raoul Peck’s independent epic “LUMUMBA” that appeared on HBO and was accepted for Academy Award nomination. Moikgantsi served as publicist for the groundbreaking documentary “LIFE & DEBT,” which appeared on PBS in August 2001, and was the New York City promotions coordinator for the independent film “FOLLOW ME HOME” starring Alfre Woodard and Benjamin Bratt. Moikgantsi also served as a filmmaker coordinator for 1998 The Sundance Film Festival. Her work has enabled her to develop invaluable contacts with numerous independent film establishments such as The Sundance Film Festival, HBO, 40 Acres and A Mule Filmworks, and Urbanworld Film Festival. Moikgantsi was named as one of 25 women who are shaping the world in Essence Magazine.
Rene Sandy is the co-founder of Hip-Hop Loves Foundation (HHL), a NYC-based nonprofit that co-produces workshops, seminars,and events that create space for dialogue and exploration on the themes of success, youth empowerment, and social justice through Hip Hop within a global context. The Foundation views Hip-Hop as the cultural intersection of many vibrant forms of expression including dance, sports, visual arts, and technology. Our programs are based in the US and abroad, thus enabling us to strengthen global relationships with grassroots organizations, universities, NGOs, governments, and companies that value empowering youth. HHL links artists and partnering organizations to facilitate programs that impact underserved communities. The Hip-Hop Loves Foundation (HHL) has its “I Got 5 on Hip Hop Loves” Campaign and embarked on a collaborative effort to raise $1 Million to expand its work in the US, Brazil, Australia, Japan, and South Africa. The "I Got $5 on Hip Hop Loves" campaign in partnership with AllHipHop.com will encourage fans of Hip Hop from all over the world to donate $5 or more. The tax deductable donations will be used to establish Hip-Hop Loves workspace and workshop centers in New York City, Rio, Los Angeles, and Seattle. Mobile studios for workshops will be established in Africa, Australia, the United Kingdome and other areas that lack modern technology. Another Hip Hop Loves Foundation project that warrants support is the compilation CD to raise money to support the ongoing work in Haiti after the earthquake in January 2010. Proceeds from album sales will go to Global Syndicate and to the Hip Hop Loves Foundation for ground relief in Haiti as well as to facilitate workshops. Producers on the project include Hip Hop Loves Co-Founder Siba Giba, and Emmy Award Winning Producer Emmai Alaquiva, DJ Scratch, Pete Rock, Will Tell, and Lee Stone.
We pay tribute to our friend Dee Dee Cocheta with a replay of her time on the show.
Dee Dee Cocheta is known as one of the best PR and Marketing professionals specializing in music, non-profits and entrepreneurs since 1999. She’s been in the entertainment biz for over 20 years and the first known online digital, promotions email queen since 1995. Dee Dee founded A.B.C. Publicity & Marketing based in Atlanta and New York specializing in lifestyle, entertainment and multicultural dynamics. Offering public relations, integrated marketing & social media solutions, A.B.C. is a strategic partner to small businesses, non-profits and entertainment driven companies, brands, products and events. The focus and foundation has been the reach with the youth, young trendsetters and key influencers who can promote and build a brand organically. The mission is to assess, build and communicate an idea, image and brand favorably to the world. The company was birthed out of the notion to support the creative ideas and elements of artists, entrepreneurs and foundations that may not always get the attention deserved. ABC is an acronym for Accenting Business & Culture. Dee De’s branding group mixes this with integrity, morality & passion topping it all off with a smile. Dee Dee Cocheta aims to change mentalities, touch hearts and inspire people with her work. Dee Dee has worked with Arrested Development, Vibe Music Fest, Tony Terry, Tupac Amaru Shakur Foundation, Lisa Left Eye Lopes Foundation, Kim Maxwell, Brandi Ray, Teena Fox, WNBA Atlanta Dream, and Cowboys WR Brian Collins to name a few.
Now more than ever independent artists thirst for an opportunity to be heard. Indie Review Radio is the catalyst to do just that. Each week the show will feature the best and greatest in the world of independent musicians artists and seasoned industry professionals. The show will include new music by indies, the latest in industry trends by seasoned industry professionals and a wealth of information for independent artists that are looking for what's next in their careers.
2013 was a stellar year for some independence as a whole. On the Indie Review show we've spotlighted and highlighted those areas all year long. Be it: musicians, business people, writers, socialpreneurs, entrepreneurs, philanthropists we have covered them. Join us as we take a brief look back and reflect on 2013. A year of transition.
Now more than ever independent artists thirst for an opportunity to be heard. Indie Review Radio is the catalyst to do just that. Each week the show will feature the best and greatest in the world of independent musicians artists and seasoned industry professionals. The show will include new music by indies, the latest in industry trends by seasoned industry professionals and a wealth of information for independent artists that are looking for what's next in their careers.
JR grew up as a chubby kid as health and nutrition wasn’t a primary focus. When he was in college a girl called him chubby and that comment would change his life forever. JR began working out intensely and eating much healthier. He even entered into his first bodybuilding contest called The Tampa Classic and won first place. As JR began to see his body more defined and his overall health improve, he decided that he would help others look and feel great, too. JR’s interest in personal training started with an interview with celebrity trainer, Mark Jenkins. Mark has worked with Sean “Puffy” Combs, LL Cool J, Tyler Perry and Beyonce, to name a few. Mark became JR’s mentor and taught him to be innovative and creative with each client as everyone is different and has different needs. Taking the advice, JR began working at Magnus Functional Training Group. It was there he would implement his functional and corrective training with tennis pro’s. Although JR blossomed as a superstar for the company, he decided to start his own business. Today JR is the owner of 2daybefit, which specializes in athletic, functional, strengthening, and weight lose training. As a personal trainer to super star celebrities, executives of major corporations and people that simply want to lose weight and feel good about it, JR focuses on designing individualized programs to reach their fitness goals as well as help them to gain a better understanding of the importance of fitness, nutrition and wellness. He works with super star Mary J Blige, and is responsible for the amazing 6 pack seen around the world on the cover of Shape Magazine. Mr. Allen has most recently rolled out his S.N.A.P Back Routine to help us all get back in shape after the holidays.
In 2001, Johnny Popcorn was at its early stages, and for the members it was a place to be creative. Considered as a project outside of the regular music careers, Johnny Popcorn would be the outlet when things got too stressful. Fittingly enough, recording Johnny Popcorn jams seemed to hit the spot. Fast forward to 2011 when Johnny Popcorn offered a unique musical formula—a concoction of highly fueled croons layered with its own views on topics ranging from teenage growing pains, self-gratification, weed, humdrum suburbia, and family values. Initially consisting of two members, Hezekiah and Tone Whitfield, the duo's inspiration and experience is the masterpiece that cements Johnny Popcorn. Vocalist and songwriter, Hezekiah, is no stranger to the music industry with 3 full-length solo albums as a hip-hop artist. Feeling like he was neglecting his Southern Funk/Rock upbringing passed down from his parents from Kentucky and North Carolina, he felt inspired for something new and exciting to develop—ultimately settling in on a new found passion. Bass guitarist and all-around producer, Tone Whitfield a.k.a. Grumpy Smurf, has produced numerous songs for Bilal, Meshell Ndegeocello, Zap Mama, and others. Contrast to Hezekiah’s hip-hop background, Grumpy Smurf has always been a rock purist with an open mind. Today, JOHNNY POPCORN is a crow on a mission. An alter ego that was inspired by Hez and Tone, who would jokingly put down fake names on open mic lists. When the host called out JOHNNY POPCORN, the crowd would chuckle in amusement. “I think we have a name for a band,” says Tone Whitfield. If it’s riff-heavy, rolls off the tongue and is more filling, then it’s Johnny Popcorn.
A committed man of dedicated faith and community service, Marquis is the anti-thesis of today’s R&B bad boys. Like his inspirations, Marquis started his stage life in front of the pews. Deriving from a rich family legacy of performers that includes blood ties to Phyllis Hyman, Debbie Allen, and Phylicia Rashad, Marquis traveled as a child performer in the “Family & Friends” gospel troupe. He rocked the church with preternaturally grown vocals until high school. A star-turning performance at a college show returned Marquis to music and later membership with the R&B quartet, Mass Appeal. Soon joining up with Babyface’s production team, Marquis further refined his music and engineering skills, working with future Finding My Way producer, Jeremy “Cochise” Ball, Thank You producer, Angelo Ray, as well as the legendary Gerald Levert and the Rude Boys. Soon after, Marquis’ indie mixtape, All Love, All the Time, dropped in 2006, opening more doors. Signed to a production company, it wasn’t long before Marquis was releasing his 2007 debut LP, Finding My Way (Quiet As Kept). Breaking through NYC airwaves with the regional R&B hit, “Radio,” Marquis booked Apollo Live and multiple guest spots on both BET’s 106 & Park and Showtime at the Apollo. Named Soul Singer of the Year by 106 & Park, Marquis landed the Soul Summer Tour and Budweiser Superfest tour where he traveled as the stable opening act for Jaheim, Tamia, India.Arie, Blue Magic, Frankie Beverly & Maze, Gordon Chambers, and Hal Linton. Marquis also toured as “Adam” in Oscar Brown Jr’s musical fable, In De Beginnin’. Additionally, Marquis starred in videos and wrote music for artists in New Zealand where Finding My Way hit. Marquis lyrical prowess soon scored song placement on projects by Styles P, Ethical, Young Sid, and Sly and Robbie.
Temple Jackson has always been a lover of God and music. Her very soul embodies the definition of what a true artist is. Temple has been singing, playing instruments and writing since the tender age of 5. She continued her exposure to music by singing with several community groups like DeKalb Youth Choir, Bethesda Cathedral Choir, Divine Faith Ministries Praise Team, New Life Ministries and In God’s Company. Temple Jackson increases the beauty of life and love through her interpretation of music. Tem- ple’s determination and uniqueness, has helped her develop pas- sion for music and create an irresistible sound. Soon after, she continued her career by co-writing and performing on McDon- ald’s commercials in 2004 and a gospel album with Lion Share Music in 2006 with In God’s Company. Additionally, Temple toured Australia with In God’s Company in early 2007. Temple served as the praise leader for Fountain of Life Ministries in Marietta, GA and is currently a member of Berean Christian Church in Georgia.
Ethiopian-born, singer/songwriter Wayna possesses a voice that is as sweet and pure as it is honest and passionate. This young talent’s love for music started as a child, when she starred in theater productions like “Annie,” and “Damn Yankees” and toured with a children’s musical review company. Wayna went on to hone her vocal talents as a young adult by absorbing the works of her favorite artists, including Minnie Riperton, Billie Holiday, Stevie Wonder, and Donny Hathaway. While in college, Wayna was crowned Miss Black Unity of the University of Maryland in 1995, earning a one year tuition scholarship. After earning a Bachelor’s degree with a double major in English and Speech Communication from the University of Maryland, Wayna began her professional career as a Writer in the White House for the Clinton administration. She’s also served as a featured vocalist and writer on a number of independent projects for artists, including W. Ellington Felton, Kenn Starr, Kev Brown, Cy Young, and Tamara Wellons. Wayna received a Grammy nomination in the "Best Urban/Alternative Performance" Category in 2009, for her remake, "Lovin You" featuring Kokayi. "The Expats" is the third and latest LP from this innovative artist and represents a new and daring departure from her previous work. The project is named after its Toronto-based backing band and production team hailing from various parts of the world -- Ethiopia to Japan, Isreal to India, Germany to Jamaica. Drawing from diverse musical influences, Wayna and the Expats create a unique blend of African and Reggae-inspired soul, fused with classic and alternative rock -- Sade and the Police meets Lauryn Hill and Radiohead. This new sound, which Wayna calls “world soul” was the result of a creative journey, jamming, writing and recording with “the Expats” in Toronto over the past 2 years.
Joy is a representative of the new company "Be the Difference." The company intends to Be the Difference through design. They have several T-shirt lines which include: “The Worker” Paying homage to all the hard workers Fitness with playful parodies about working out and dieting, “Social Awareness” bringing awareness to the very things that hurt families, friendships. The company believes now is the time to bring goodness to a hurting society. Life may have a way of pushing you but you just have to push back.
April R. Silver is a social entrepreneur, activist, and writer/editor. She is also Founder and President of AKILA WORKSONGS, Inc., a leading communications/management agency headquartered in New York. AW specializes in public relations, marketing, and programming for the "arts and activism" field (a phrase that Silver is credited with popularizing). The former talk show host of My Two Cents (on Centric TV, previously known as BETJ), is also editor of “Be A Father to Your Child: Real Talk from Black Men on Family, Love, and Fatherhood” (Soft Skull/Counterpoint Press), a critically acclaimed anthology. Silver’s life/work is powered by the belief that regardless of the endeavor, working with respect, integrity, and excellence matters most. Ms. Silver’s achievements in the fields of social justice and entrepreneurship have been widely documented for over twenty years. Susan L. Taylor, Editor-in-Chief Emeritus of Essence magazine and Founder of National CARES Mentoring Movement (CARES) calls April “a spirited and visionary leader.” Past and present clients of Silver’s company reflect her relationships to all kinds of people and projects. She has come to work closely with and/or provide services for artists and authors Mos Def, Talib Kweli, Sonia Sanchez, Sister Souljah, Kevin Powell; The Ford Foundation, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, and countless others. In 2009, she was the keynote speaker for the Cool Twitter Conference in New York and continues to conduct communications workshops. As a writer, April's essays on hip hop and popular culture, women, personal development, and social justice issues have been published in the New York Daily News, Word.Beats.Life (The Global Journal of Hip Hop Culture), AllHipHop.com, DaveyD.com, and others. . And for her 20+ years of service, April has received many awards & has been featured in Time Magazine, Newsweek, Washington Post, Ebony, & Essence.
Now more than ever independent artists thirst for an opportunity to be heard. Indie Review Radio is the catalyst to do just that. Each week the show will feature the best and greatest in the world of independent musicians artists and seasoned industry professionals. The show will include new music by indies, the latest in industry trends by seasoned industry professionals and a wealth of information for independent artists that are looking for what's next in their careers.
Embracing numerous musical genres and a fresh blend of traditional Turkish and Western rock music, hard rock quartet maNga are ready to storm the U.S. Feat singer Ferman Akgül, guitarist Yagmur Sarigül (aka “Yamyam”), drummer Özgür Can Öney and bassist Cem Bahtiyar, the Turkish group have drawn Int'l acclaim for the infectious sounds on their three albums, which one could compare in spirit to Linkin Park or System Of A Down. They made a big noise representing their from home country in the 2010 Eurovision Song Contest, have over 3M Facebook followers and have drawn the attention of Billboard, the Huffington Post and MTV Europe. The band name maNga possesses a dual meaning. In Turkish, it refers to a unit of ten men in the army, and in Japanese, which was their chief inspiration for using the word, it means graphic novel. "The name was Yagmur's idea, and from that moment 12 years ago we were dreaming about having connections to other countries," declares Özgür. The foursome finally got to play before a NA audience at the SXSW festival in TX in March, and they play CMJ on Oct 18th. 3 months after they formed in 2001, the group competed on the TV show Sing Your Song, which is the Turkish version of Star Search. Their 2nd place showing ignited a creative spark that lead to numerous gigs in Turkey while writing the original tunes that comprised their self-titled debut album, which was released via Sony Epic in Turkey in December 2004. The album and its videos spotlighted an amalgam of heavy rock, hip-hop, pop and Turkish music.The album sold more than 180,000 copies in Turkey, making maNga the 1st band there to get gold certification on their debut album. The song “Bir Kadin Çizeceksin” appeared in the EA Sports FIFA 2006 computer game soundtrack, which exposed them to European audiences who loved their music even if they did not understand the words.
Kelly spent 15 yrs as a marketing executive in the entertainment industry. During that time she marketed/ promoted recording artists from obscure unknowns to popular household names. Many of them received Grammy Awards and multi-platinum status. In 2005 it all came to an end, when the debilitating effects of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) became too much to manage in the fast paced, stressful world of entertainment. Kelly recently launched The Abilities WORKS! Project (AWP). The AWP is dedicated to promoting entrepreneurship, career advancement and workforce development for people with disabilities; and of course, building their personal brand. As someone living with Multiple Sclerosis and as an entrepreneur, she knows first hand the challenges that are faced and the resources needed to overcome those challenges. Kelly’s very first live event, an Economic Employment Empowerment Summit, took place in Atlanta to commemorate National Disability Employment Awareness Month. The Summit was also put together to benefit care partners and family members of people with disabilities. Kelly has another company, Insider Branding Secrets, which empowers passionate but struggling solo service entrepreneurs to build powerful brands, develop magnetic, compelling marketing messages, identify that ideal target audience, attract more clients, more visibility & more money. Using the Insider Branding Secrets she's learned after yrs of marketing success, Kelly is able to provide the effective tools and easy-to-implement strategies to increase visibility and income. Some of the artists Kelly has worked with include Mary J. Blige, P.Diddy, Erykah Badu, Jill Scott, Queen Latifah. In an attempt to find alternative ways of treating MS, Kelly was introduced to a health wellness coach and got hooked. She decided to get certified as a wellness coach and begin a new career that she blends with her branding company.
Now more than ever independent artists thirst for an opportunity to be heard. Indie Review Radio is the catalyst to do just that. Each week the show will feature the best and greatest in the world of independent musicians artists and seasoned industry professionals. The show will include new music by indies, the latest in industry trends by seasoned industry professionals and a wealth of information for independent artists that are looking for what's next in their careers.
Sanura is a Vocalist, Model, and Actress hailing from Virginia Beach, VA. She was born in Brooklyn, NY on August 13, and music has been a huge part of her life ever since. Growing up, she was exposed to all genres, and at the tender age of 6 discovered her own vocal and writing ability. A few years later she began recording music with a local producer. In mid 2008, after posting her first demo to Myspace, Sanura was contacted by NJ based producer Cito on the Beat to record a full length project. She rose to the occasion and in a mere 5 days, the duo wrote, produced, and recorded her independent debut, "Ultimate Accessory." Upon its completion, Sanura returned to VA and took the album to the streets. Through word of mouth alone, she and her father eventually sold thousands of copies of the album within months. In 2011, she released her second indie LP, "The Green Room," with New York based Hip-Hop producers, A Lost People. Sanura began to garner an overwhelming amount of local buzz and started working in other areas of entertainment. From modeling for clothing lines and fashion shows to landing a supporting role in her first independent feature film, it became clear that the songbird was a triple threat in the making. In late 2012, Sanura moved to NYC to take her career to the next level. She has since landed major modeling gigs with B.E.T. Networks, Urban Ink Magazine, Miss Jessie's Natural Hair Care Products, and many more. Sanura released her 3rd project, "View From The Q," in mid 2013. Co-written and composed with Hungarian producer Kata Kozma, the 6 song project received 95% of its funding through Kickstarter.com. The album is based around true events and serves as the chronicle of a young artist's evolution.
Now more than ever independent artists thirst for an opportunity to be heard. Indie Review Radio is the catalyst to do just that. Each week the show will feature the best and greatest in the world of independent musicians artists and seasoned industry professionals. The show will include new music by indies, the latest in industry trends by seasoned industry professionals and a wealth of information for independent artists that are looking for what's next in their careers.
One of the most sought after casting directors on the East Coast, Winsome Sinclair has collaborated with such directors as Steven Spielberg, Spike Lee, Oliver Stone and John Singleton, casting principals and extras for the films Amistad, Malcolm X, Waiting to Exhale, She Hate Me, Inside Man, Too Fast Too Furious, Black Snake Moan, Cadillac Records and Precious, among others. Her most recent projects include For Colored Girls, Violet & Daisy and the upcoming remake of the classic Sparkle. In addition to features, Sinclair has also cast projects for network television. Her firm, Winsome Sinclair & Associates, with offices in New York City, is celebrated for creating valuable jobs for many African-American and Latino actors. With over 20 years of experience in film, this industry veteran sits on the board of directors of the African-American Women In Cinema foundation. She is also a member of the New York Women In Film and Television. She has also led the Star Project for the American Black Film Festival and moderated symposiums and panel discussions for the prestigious film festival. Her company founded the TV/Film Production Certificate Program at Medgar Evers College. The program, presented by Legacy Media in conjunction with Medgar Evers Personal Development Institute, gives students hands-on training and preparation for a career in film, television production. Winsome Sinclair and Associates is currently casting a new project for the new network, REVOLT, launched by Sean "Diddy" Combs. WSA has begun casting Oscar-nominated director Sam Pollard's UNT AUGUST WILSON PROJECT and is also casting Jerry Lamothe's upcoming film THE PROMISE KEEPER which is gathering an impressive cast including Garcelle Beauvais, S. Epatha Merkerson, Jamie Hector and Nonso Anozie. She is currently producing the British crime drama, FLOWERS DON’T GROW IN ENGLAND.
Ericka Blount Danois, an award-winning journalist, writer, editor, and professor began her career as a stringer at the Philadelphia Tribune with a cover story on the king of Philly Int'l Records, Kenny Gamble. Ericka graduated from Columbia University’s Grad School of Journalism and has worked as a staff writer, editor, freelancer, and stringer for: Spin, Washington Post, The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, ESPN The Magazine, Sports Illustrated, Heart and Soul, Uptown, The City Sun, City Paper, Vibe, Wax Poetics, The Source, and online publications such as AOL and Newsone.com. She teaches at the Philip Merrill School of Journalism at the University of Maryland. She has interviewed cultural figures such as Cuban President Fidel Castro, Andy Rooney, Ed Koch, Andre Harrell, Zane, and Johnnie Cochran; film/TV provocateurs such as David Simon, Ed Burns, and Ernest Dickerson. She’s interviewed celebrity athletes like Patrick Ewing, Bernard Hopkins, Ryan Howard, Oscar De La Hoya, Dominique Wilkins, Sugar Ray Leonard, and Caron Butler. She has covered musical luminaries such as The Roots, Tricky, Damien Marley, Nas, Olu Dara, Jay-Z, Quincy Jones, LL Cool J, Rakim, Tupac, Earth, Wind & Fire, Anthony Hamilton, R. Kelly, Run DMC, Horace Silver, De La Soul, The Fugees among others. Her cover story on Earth, Wind and Fire was selected to appear in the annual series, the book, “Best Music Writing of 2012,” with guest editor Questlove. Her first book, “Love, Peace and Soooooouul!” The Behind the Scenes Story of America’s Favorite Dance Show, will be published in 2013 by Backbeat Books. As a journalist, she’s examined public and private school education, the crime beat in Atlantic City and Brooklyn, covered rape trials of celebrities, the plight of black farmers, health disparities in the black community, world renowned architects, boxing matches, and restaurant food in exotic locales.
Now more than ever independent artists thirst for an opportunity to be heard. Indie Review Radio is the catalyst to do just that. Each week the show will feature the best and greatest in the world of independent musicians artists and seasoned industry professionals. The show will include new music by indies, the latest in industry trends by seasoned industry professionals and a wealth of in
Now more than ever independent artists thirst for an opportunity to be heard. Indie Review Radio is the catalyst to do just that. Each week the show will feature the best and greatest in the world of independent musicians artists and seasoned industry professionals. The show will include new music by indies, the latest in industry trends by seasoned industry professionals and a wealth of information for independent artists that are looking for what's next in their careers.
Now more than ever independent artists thirst for an opportunity to be heard. Indie Review Radio is the catalyst to do just that. Each week the show will feature the best and greatest in the world of independent musicians artists and seasoned industry professionals. The show will include new music by indies, the latest in industry trends by seasoned industry professionals and a wealth of information for independent artists that are looking for what's next in their careers.
Julien was born and raised in Nassau, Bahamas, the small island paradise in the Atlantic Ocean. Growing up there offered Julien exposure to both a cosmopolitan way of life combined with what is known as traditional island living. Growing up Julien was captivated by many genres of music. The degree of his ambition to become a musician, however, was not always fully understood. As the son of a policeman and schoolteacher it was often difficult for anyone, even his parents, to understand his compulsion to do music. By the age of 11, Julien was actually selling his own lunch to buy CDs. His favorite artists included Boyz II Men, Brian McKnight, Joe, Bob Marley, and Ronnie Butler. Not only did he listen to these musicians, he dissected their lyrics and started fashioning his own writing style. At 12, Julien joined a singing group at his church, and so began his development as an artist. The group became immensely popular around the island and performed as an opening act for local shows and visiting entertainers. Coincidentally, the first major act he opened for was Boyz II Men and was also the first album he ever bought. This led to opening for the likes of Sean Paul, Brian McKnight, Destiny's Child, Joe, Mariah Carey and Babyface. Julien was equally as popular on the basketball court, a past time he shared with his father and older brother. Julien was introduced to Dominic McFadden (son Gene McFadden) and his partner Phillip "Phoe Notes" in early 2009. Together, they produced Julien’s hit single “Believe”. On the surface Julien seems like a very well crafted R&B artist. He has a smooth vocal delivery similar to a young Curtis Mayfield. Underneath is a singer/songwriter that defies simple classification. His lyrics come from a deep pool of insight. Thus, his lyrical content takes the simplest subject matter and infuses it with love, wit, wisdom and an uplifting, inspirational feeling.
Now more than ever independent artists thirst for an opportunity to be heard. Indie Review Radio is the catalyst to do just that. Each week the show will feature the best and greatest in the world of independent musicians artists and seasoned industry professionals. The show will include new music by indies, the latest in industry trends by seasoned industry professionals and a wealth of information for independent artists that are looking for what's next in their careers.
From the Big Island of Hawaii, Lisa Lehua Taylor has been singing her entire life. Growing up in a household where she was exposed to Theatre at a very young age and her parents played everything from Led Zeppelin, Joni Mitchell and The Beatles to Billie Holiday and Ella Fitzgerald, she was always encouraged to pursue her love of music. Lisa finally started performing at the age of 10 and hasn't stopped since! After years of making a living as a Vocalist in her home state, and performing with some of the best musicians the State has to offer, she's also performed in Japan, Korea and Singapore. Since moving to Santa Cruz 8 years ago, Lisa has quickly built a name for herself on the Central Coast and Bay Area. As the lead vocalist for her band SoulCity, she is also a regular vocalist with The Joe Sharino Band as well as Steve Ezzo and The Monterey Bay All Stars. On top of all of the performing, She has lent her vocal talent to many recording projects and completed her debut album "LT" in 2010. Her new release "Let Love Shine" was released February 1, 2013, and has been receiving rave reviews. Already a top seller on both the neo-soul and urban R&B charts on cdbaby, the album also has four singles in the top-40 on Amazon UK's mp3 chart for neo-soul, with her singles "Used To Be The One' and "Funny Feeling" making it to the number one spot. "Let Love Shine" is also a top-seller for neo-soul on Amazon (US) and has had seven singles on the top-40 mp3 chart. This Sophomore release made it's debut on the UK Soul Chart at #21 and by week two had jumped to #14. Next, it spent four weeks at the #1 spot. It is currently #14 on The Independent Soul Chart (UK) and is also getting great reviews on The BBC's Paul Miller Soul Show. The word is out, Lisa Taylor is an exciting new voice on the soul scene.
Born and raised in Bklyn, NY, Lopez had a childhood supported by immigrant parents who made education a top priority, so that Nadia would have the optimal opportunity to succeed in life. Lopez, who earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from Wagner College and a Master of Science degree in Special Education from Long Island U, as well as an Advanced Certification in Leadership from Baruch, had originally planned on a nursing career. However, after her training, she discovered that nursing wasn't really her passion. So, after approximately 4 yrs toiling at Verizon as an account collections rep, where she learned the art of customer service, she turned her attention to education, spurred on by having her own child. Her career change was determined by the fact that she saw several disturbing problems within the NY educational system that her child would be entering. So rather than just worry, she set her course for creating a new educational model. Lopez initially worked at a middle school in the Ft Greene section of Bklyn, teaching the 7th and 8th grades. She subsequently taught at the Urban Assembly Institute of Math and Science, an all-girls school in downtown Brooklyn. Then in 2008, she was selected to join the New Leaders for New School, a nationally acclaimed leadership organization, as a Resident Principal within the New York City Department of Education. After completing that rigorous year-long program, she became an Assistant Principal. In 2010, Lopez's dream became a reality, when she founded the Mott Hall Bridges Academy, a Brooklyn middle school (grades 6 to 8), which focuses on Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math (STEAM). “Mott Hall” is a series of schools; “Bridges Academy” pays homage to Brooklyn, which links to the other New York boroughs via bridges. And, Lopez is assisting her students with building their bridges to a brighter future.
Now more than ever independent artists thirst for an opportunity to be heard. Indie Review Radio is the catalyst to do just that. Each week the show will feature the best and greatest in the world of independent musicians artists and seasoned industry professionals. The show will include new music by indies, the latest in industry trends by seasoned industry professionals and a wealth of information for independent artists that are looking for what's next in their careers.
This Hip-Hop collective has been in existence since 1994, Get Open was founded by SibaGiba when he was studying music at SUNY Purchase College. He met the other 4 original members in school; Kiambu, VonMeista, Zook, Los and DJ Jes Lover. Get Open has traveled and performed as headliners in Germany and France over the years and has also opened for artists such as KRS 1/BDP, De La Soul, Jungle Brothers, Tha Alkoholiks, Special Ed, and many others in the US. Through a collaboration with composer Saundi Wilson who also attended Purchase, Get Open was featured with the late Jazz Trumpeter Lester Bowie's creation: Hip-Hop Feel-Harmonic orchestra in 1995, which assembled more than 40 musicians and Get Open. During our senior year, 1996, we released our first 12inch vinyl single. It caught the attention of West coasts DJs like J.Rocc, DJ Numark,Truly Odd, Peanut Butter Wolf and T-Love the MC and journalist at URB magazine. From that single, Yellow Productions offered the group an EP deal which went on to sell 5,000 units in Europe without any promo. It featured Sadat X of Brand Nubian. During this time, Siba was enjoying great success after producing for Everlast's (House of Pain) multi platinum and grammy nominated album "Whitey Ford Sings The Blues". Overtime Records Inc was born and released a solo 12 inch single of VonMeista featuring Sadat X in association with Ozone Music (Co-Flow-El P, Mike Ladd, etc…). Although still making music seperately, the group has been on a hiatus since 2001. Siba formed Brüknahm with Mr Saundi Wilson, worked the Jettsonz Productions (Nina Sky, Sean Paul) and in 2009 co-founded a non-profit organization, the Hip-Hop Loves Foundation.
Born in the Brownsville section of Brooklyn Lyonel “Kay-Kay” Rosemond fondly remembers being enamored with the soul singers of the 70’s, which included Marvin Gaye, Al Green and Otis Redding. However, he would soon become entrenched in the hip-hop scene that was beginning to take over during his adolescence. At the time, little did he know that these musical influences would have a great deal to do with the career he ultimately chose as an A&R with Motown/Universal Music Group. At an early age he decided that he would pursue a career as an artist for his favorite comic book company, Marvel Comics. Lyonel soon enrolled in a school for cartoon illustration and shortly after began receiving requests from friends who needed logos for the companies many of them hoped to form. In 1994, however Lyonel began to see his career path change course after his Uncle Jimmy Henchman Rosemond, who was about to start his own management company, called him. Once entering the music industry Lyonel realized that art was not his only talent, as he quickly adapted to the scene and learned what something he feels very few comprehend – artists don’t live what they portray. It was at this time that Lyonel realized that the music business was in fact business first, and he began to actively increase his contacts. He was offered a job to work in the A&R department at the historic record label Motown while he was at Kedar Entertainment. Since joining the Motown family Lyonel has worked with a bevy of artists including Erykah Badu, Chico DeBarge, Lil’ Wayne, The Temptations and R&B crooner Joe. He feels that his work with Badu was the most special because of the authentic approach she took to developing her music. Kay-Kay is currently the A&R at E1/Koch Records.
Eszter is a versatile performer who is acknowledged as a singer, film and musical actress in Hungary. Her major success includes the female lead role of the Hungarian – Polish movie A Miracle in Cracow, Christine on the Hungarian premiere of Webber’s The Phantom of The Opera and singing as lead vocalist of the well-known Budapest Klezmer Band. Her career started at the age of 16 with the title role of Miss Saigon performing the lead over a 100 times. That was followed by the female lead role of Dorian Gray performed in London. In 1997 she won the first prize of The Youth Eurovision Festival in Croatia. After graduating from The American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York she played Mary Magdolene on the tour of Jesus Christ Superstar among many others. Back in Budapest she had the chance to perform with the legendary Al Di Meola.After gaining 6 years of experience and major success in touring through Europe with traditional klezmer music she stepped out of Budapest Klezmer Band and created her own projects. In 2007 her first world music record called Ezter had been released on which she creates her own musical world in singing Jewish folk songs from different parts of the world in unique, electro-acoustic arrangement in 8 different languages. Her recent record with Eszter Biro Quintet called When will that happen? was released at the end of 2009. Her first solo DVD of her full-house record debut concert performed in Pecs Synagogue in May 2010 on the Day of Peace will be released next spring. At the age of 33 next to her performing career Eszter owns a music publishing company and is a happy mother of two little children.
Now more than ever independent artists thirst for an opportunity to be heard. Indie Review Radio is the catalyst to do just that. Each week the show will feature the best and greatest in the world of independent musicians artists and seasoned industry professionals. The show will include new music by indies, the latest in industry trends by seasoned industry professionals and a wealth of information for independent artists that are looking for what's next in their careers.
Founder and CEO of Poetic Motivations, LLC, a personal and professional development training company, Renée McRae delivers programs that focus on self exploration and navigating to a place called SUCCESS! A believer in living life deliberately and dedicated to the field of personal transformation, Renée spends her time in schools and organizations around the country facilitating programs which uniquely fuse the art of writing poetry with self discovery, self understanding and enabling self-determination. Co-author of “Stepping Stones to Success” alongside Deepak Chopra, Jack Canfield and others, Renée contributed “Awaken to the Power Within,” an in-depth chapter expounding on the innate power we each possess to determine our own destinies. Her latest book, co-authored with Les Brown and others, “Mastering the Art of Success,” contains her chapter, “The Key is Self Mastery” and will be available in March, 2013. Renée McRae’s first book, “Truth in Rhyme,” an approved textbook with NYC Dept. of Education, has been used by teachers in their classrooms to encourage, inspire and reinforce self-esteem and life skills through poetry. Her award-winning transformational poetry has been published in several magazines, anthologies, and is available on her CD titled “Truth Be Told" Talk show host for the acclaimed “Fade to Black” on QPTV, and featured guest on radio and T.V. shows, alike, Renée McRae is a Certified Success Coach, Infinite Possibilities Trainer, Domestic Violence Prevention Trainer, and Conflict Resolution Trainer.
An aching boredom and uninventive cloud hangs above Suburbia, secretly yearning for someone to break out, to stand alone. A distance from the big city, as well as diversity and expression, such a lack of makes it difficult for one to find creativity, to capture individuality. In the case of Hip Hop meets Jazz meets Soul duo, Black Fantastic, this challenging task represents everything they stand for. After a chance meeting at a Joliet, Illinois recording studio, these Chicago suburb natives both noticed a unique connection within each other, weaving a creative union from that moment on. Jacque, an eternal lover of the timeless brilliance of jazz, serves as the scratchy-soulful, emotionally driven songstress of the group, while Roman, a former photographer and once upon a time college kid, takes his place as the smoothly relatable lyricist meets experimental producer. As their musical influences soar from Ella Fitzgerald to J Dilla, Black Fantastic is creatively moved by it all.The determination and ambition of Black Fantastic radiates through their work, sending a comforting vibe that they want others to simply, believe. Black Fantastic turn their realities into music, in hopes of connecting with the same stories and struggles we all seem to face. Taking pride in being no one other than who they are while working to stamp their own place in history, they proudly have their eyes set on nothing lower than up.
Now more than ever independent artists thirst for an opportunity to be heard. Indie Review Radio is the catalyst to do just that. Each week the show will feature the best and greatest in the world of independent musicians artists and seasoned industry professionals. The show will include new music by indies, the latest in industry trends by seasoned industry professionals and a wealth of information for independent artists that are looking for what's next in their careers.
The globally heralded singer/songwriter is putting the finishing touches on his upcoming album Moment of Truth (Ruffhouse/EMI), which will feature a track with fellow Canadian Melanie Fiona. Armed with abundant enthusiasm and prolific vocal abilities, Glenn Lewis endeavours to deliver heartfelt, melodic songs meshed with heart pounding beats that are certain to strike a cord in the hearts of men and women alike. When asked about his current musical mindset, Glenn’s response was: “It’s been quite a journey over the last several years….one that has enabled me to learn and grow. I’m so grateful to all of my fans and supporters for never wavering”. All that I do, I do for them. They will not be disappointed.” This time around, Glenn Lewis’s melodious focus is to fuse the very best elements of all of his musical influences (Stevie Wonder, Donny Hathaway, Charlie Wilson, Joni Mitchell and The Beatles), and develop an album that’s organic, contemporary and original, yet reminiscent all at the same time. During a recent outing, one of Glenn’s impassioned fans playfully bellowed “The world is waiting for you Glenn!”. You better believe that Glenn hears you, and the thousands of other eager fans around the world, loud and clear. After garnering the highest praise from one of the world’s greatest wonders, Stevie Wonder himself (who personally interviewed Glenn at his radio station in L.A., and invited Glenn to perform with him at his concert in Toronto, Canada), Glenn Lewis is carefully and earnestly creating an album that his fans and industry peers will embrace. After exploring the world outside his window and subsequently coming back for more, the remarkably modest, humble and exceptionally gifted performer is gearing up to prove that he deserves to earn a place among the Music Industry’s elite vocalists.
Inspired by her experiences as a single working mother living in a marginalized community, Tanya Fields founded the BLK ProjeK in 2009 as a response to sexist institutional policies, structurally reinforced cycles of poverty, and harsh inequities in wealth and access to capital that result in far too many women being unable to rise out of poverty and sustain their families. The group was nominated for a 2011 Union Square Award and Tanya has the honor of being a Green for All Fellows, through which she connects with a national cohort of environmental justice change agents. With a Bachelor’s in Political Science from Baruch College, and a talent for public speaking, blogging and singing, Tanya has become a sought after speaker. She provided a widely praised keynote speech at the 2012 Just Food conference, and served as a plenary panelist for the 2011 conference of the Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Working Group. Previous to the BLK ProjeK, Tanya worked with several high profile environmental organizations located in the South Bronx - Mothers on the Move, Sustainable South Bronx and the Majora Carter Group. Tanya built upon the network, skills, resources and knowledge she gained through those experiences to create the BLK ProjeK. She is a reputed and rising public speaker and educator. She has spoken, conducted workshops and participated on panels at Just Food Annual Conference, NOFA NY Winter Conference, Manhattanville College, Kingsboro College, Brooklyn Food Coalition, NEWSAWG and others. She currently writes a twice monthly column on food and food justice for EBONY.com and contributed a chapter for the book "The Next Eco-Warriors" by Emily Hunter
Songstress, Amanda Holley has one true love and that is music relying from a very young age on it’s strength to develop into the consummate musician and vocalist she continues to aspire to be. Amanda engrossed herself in music day in and day out, surviving on Whitney, Mariah, Aretha, Ella, and Billie's healing and inspiring vocals. She first began performing at local events for hundreds of people in her small NJ town at the age of 8, astonishing audiences with her soul, maturity of voice and her connection to the lyrics of songs. As a teenager, Amanda even performed with the world renowned Les Paul at the jazz hot-spot, Iridium. As a singer and songwriter, Ms. Holley has recently collaborated for her upcoming project with award winning songwriters and producers Rob Fusari, Andy Marvel, Andre Fennell, Pam Sheyne, and Nikki Gregoroff to name a few.Amanda states, "Music is who I am. I never woke up and decided to be a singer - I always have been and always will be. I eat, sleep, and BREATHE music. I cannot wait to share my story of tragedy and overcoming hardships. Through strength, hope, and LOVE I want to aspire others with my music"
Homeboy Sandman is a musician. His genre is hip-hop. An emcee that prides himself on musical growth and evolution, he has adopted as his motto and creative mission statement, "Boy Sand like you've never seen him before. As usual." Raised in Queens NY. Academic stints in New Hampshire, Philadelphia, London and Long Island. One semester short on two different graduate degrees. A couple of years of NYC Public School teaching thrown in there in between. 9th and 10th grades. Some bartending too, at the legendary Lennox Lounge in Harlem. That's where Shaft used to drink. December 2006 he decides to cut all that miscellaneous nonsense and follow his passion. His first album came the following year.Before signing to Stones Throw he'd already been chosen as a coach on MTV's MADE, featured in preeminent print hip-hop rags XXL and The Source, and perpetually championed on foremost online hubs. And since the signing, his accolades have extended beyond the realm of the hip hop specific. Rolling Stone has noted his "skill for wordplay that keeps you hooked." NPR has highlighted his "artful, hysterical, disobedient hip-hop that you can dance to." Pitchfork has straightforwardly dubbed him "one of the best pure lyricists around." He writes regularly for The Huffington Post, some for Gawker. While most of his writing is music, it appears he'll write wherever a lot of people are looking. If he had an opportunity to give a speech at a huge rally he'd take that too, so more than anything else he just wants to spread the word. Maybe he just wants attention. Attention for being himself though.
From the age of 4, Amma Whatt’s professional journey has been one of accomplishment, passion and variety. As a dancer, under the tutelage of her parents she studied and performed the traditional music of West Africa and The Caribbean. As an actress and entertainer at 16, she participated in a hilarious one-on-one TV interview on Bill Cosby's "Kid's say the Darndest Things". As a vocalist, she left her mark in the Howard University Jazz Vocal Performance Program and as a soloist in the Howard Gospel Choir. Amma then toured the US and internationally as a supporting vocalist with Glory of NY Gospel Singers, Ruben Studdard, Karen Clark-Sheard, Ki-Ki Sheard, Shirley Murdock, Howard Hewitt, Tulani Kinard, Byron Cage, Rob Murat, and Melba Moore. It was as a Hollywood Week Finalist on the 5th season of American Idol, that Amma’s talent drew the attention of film and television producers. She appeared in the 2007 film August Rush and sang on the film’s Academy Award-nominated song “Raise It Up”, highlighted by a live performance at the 2008 Academy Awards. Most recently, you can hear Amma singing "Get Happy" in the new Home Goods commercials airing on national television and radio. While Amma continues to share the stage and album features with a wide variety of artists such as Jarrard Anthony, Nicholas Ryan Gant, Monet, Darien, Catz & Dogz, Mark de Clive-Lowe, and Jason Moran, to name a few, her talents are very much in demand as a songwriter and producer. Amma co-wrote “Just the Way You Are” for Kindred and The Family Soul’s “The Arrival.” In recognition of her community service work, Amma was named a grant recipient of the Miracle Corners of the World Alumni Venture Fund. Amma used her grant to sponsor a youth day of fun for the Egbe Iwa Odo Kunrin/Binrin Rites of Passage program.
As the founder and executive producer of the SheTek Conference, L’ay brings together professional women in entertainment to discuss the latest trends in their particular career fields. Panelists are exclusive to women, as a way to empower and push forward their relevant roles in entertainment. On June 1, 2013, Projex Society Media will launch the first SheTek Conference in New York City. In 2012, Projex Society Entertainment signed hip hop artist Peze and executive produced “Big Boys Don’t Cry”, a short film about bullying. In addition to founder, she is also Executive producer, event coordinator, and artist manager.
Lisa Merraro has a story, who doesn’t? Her future however, is limited to few. And the mark that she is set to make in the world of entertainment is exciting and rare. As a young lady in Brooklyn, music was Lisa’s meditation. Her infatuation with music stems from the musical bloodline and her grandmother’s diverse music collection. Like most in the business, the young starlet wanted to sing but later came to realize that her strength was in her mental muscle. Lisa went on to receive an associate degree from Berkeley College in paralegal studies and a bachelors of science majoring in legal studies, from St. John’s University. Just before her LSAT, she heard the call of the music industry loud in clear. She answered but not before obtaining her Masters from John Jay College. While there, Lisa met a producer that would be her conduit into the world of music. Shak-Trauma and his production partner Shawn Belle introduced her to a part of the business that felt like home. She was a boss, and it was the perfect fit. Lisa went on to partner in the creation of Brook Brovaz (Brooklyn Brothers) Entertainment that now boasts of a diverse catalog of music which consists of techno, rock, jazz, hip hop and much more. Ms. Merraro with her attention to detail and business savvy proved to be just what was needed to take Brook Brovaz to the moon! Her approach to business is smart, calculated and always part of a bigger picture. A recording studio, several clients and investors later, Lisa has taken her role as the leading lady very seriously. So much so that she is currently attending Full Sail University for her masters in entertainment business. As she humbly works her way to the top, the industry is watching, as they should. But not with an eye of envy or distain, but one of admiration for this young lady that has made it her business to respect and embrace the game.
Big Daddy Kane is a Brooklyn, New York M.C. who undisputedly defined the term “lyricist” in the world of hip-hop. Along with the lyrical ingenuity he brought to the genre, he also introduced innovative live performances as well. Kane was the first rapper to ever hold not one but two sold out shows at the world famous Apollo Theater for women only. Kane revolutionized hip-hop fashion and the way hip-hop shows were performed. Kane has endured a substantive music career. He has several gold albums, endless music accolades including a Grammy award. He also received a VH1 Hip Hop Honor in 2005. His catalogue of music consists of the LP “Long Live The Kane” that features the hit songs “Ain’t No Half Steppin’” and “Raw.” The LP “It’s A Big Daddy Thing” featured “Smooth Operator” “Warm It Up” and the Teddy Riley produced hit “I Get The Job Done.” The LP “Taste Of Chocolate” features “Hard Being The Kane” and “All Of Me” as well as a duet with the legendary Barry White. Additional albums were “Prince Of Darkness,” “Looks Like A Job For…” and “Daddy’s Home.” As a powerful figure in the rap game, Kane has collaborated with many artists such as Kool G Rap, Masta Ace and Craig G. He has worked with Public Enemy and Ice Cube on the single “Burn, Hollywood Burn” with Heavy D on the single “Don’t Curse” with Patti LaBelle on the certified gold single “Feels Like Another One” and the Quincy Jones multi-platinum masterpiece “Tribute To Birdland” as well as the title cut “Back On The Block” from the album of the same name. Kane has also made appearances in the movies”Posse” “Meteor Man” “Dead Heist” “Brown Sugar” and “Gunmen.”
The origins of Waterseed begin in New Orleans, the birthplace of multi-instrumentalists Lou Hill and J Sharp, the architects of Water Seed’s cool, elemental sound. Preternaturally aware of their paths fairly early, Hill began playing the alto sax in fourth grade while Sharp was developing his piano chops over the three-notes of “Hot Crossed Buns” at the tender age of five. Both learned as children to respect their crafts through studious dedication, rigorous practice schedules, and trying their hand at several different instruments before landing on their primary tools of musical expression, the percussion for Hill and the keys for Sharp, each finding their home. Sharp reared in a home of classical music, engaged in demanding training while nursing concerto circuit dreams. Hill was immersed in the radio R&B and funk of the day and the jazz culture of his storied surroundings. Both formally trained in esteemed music programs, Sharp through the famed NOCCA, the Jazz and Heritage School at Southern University and Dillard University, Hill at the venerated Xavier University. Enter Pasadena bred flautist, Cinese. Inspired by the legendary Bobbi Humphrey, the orchestral-trained Cinese switched to jazz after a 10-year business and school-led hiatus with music. Answering a Craigslist ad for Water Seed, Cinese learned her classical meets jazz foundation found nice complements with Hill and Sharp’s, rounding out their sound. Now, with a 5 piece band that eventually included bass player Marius Tilton and lead vocalist Ryan Johnson, the concept albums soon followed. Their self-released, experimental 2006 EP debut, Two Words, uncovered an avant-garde Water Seed sound, developed enough notice to garner the band an audience & brief attention from Sony Music.
As a lyrically astute emcee, classically trained pianist, producer, songwriter, & composer, Tiye clearly employs "the phoenix principle" in her music by challenging the barriers placed upon female hip-hop artists. Tiye (renamed after the pharoahess in the 18th Dynasty in ancient Egypt, mother of King Tut) began playing the piano by ear as a child, and then studied classical piano between ages 7 and 13. Equally in love with poetry, Tiye evolved into a clever, skilled emcee through the years. In the late 90s, Tiye formed S.O.U.L. Food Symphony, a D.C.-based all female collective with an ethereal sound that consisted of emcees, singers, & musicians. SFS performed with artists such as Nas, Black Moon, & Gil Scot Heron. Tiye went on to write with legendary groups Public Enemy, and work with classic hip-hop producers Hank & Keith Shocklee. Tiye has toured and performed with soul songstress Tina Marie and the late Rick James, and recorded with the UK group, The Runaways. While signed to Rawkus Records, Tiye worked with various artists such as Mos Def & Last Emperor, and appeared with Talib Kweli & DJ Hi-Tek on their Reflection Eternal album. Tiye is also a member of The Polyrhythmaddicts, the hip-hop supergroup consisting of DJ Spinna, Shabaam Sahdeeq, and Mr. Complex. As a beat-maker/producer, Tiye won the 2006 MTP (Meet The Producers) All-Female Beat Battle Invitational, and went on to win the MTP Championship for 2006, where she competed as the only female alongside 8 other previous male champions. If you can, catch a Tiye Phoenix performance where you'll undoubtedly see and feel raw hip-hop at its height; whether she's spewing an inferno of rhymes or playing keys, she's sure to give audiences more than just a "show"- she provides an artistic experience. Tiye is currently working with a variety of artists and producers on a myriad of upcoming projects.
Monty Ross, Spike Lee's former producer and co-producer on such groundbreaking Made in NYC productions as School Daze, She's Gotta Have it, Do the Right Thing, Jungle Fever, Malcolm X and Crooklyn, started his career with the Atlanta Street Theatre, a small resident theatre company in Atlanta, Georgia. He moved to NYC to pursue his career in 1985, quickly partnering with Lee, as the Production Supervisor on the legendary 12 day shooting schedule of She's Gotta Have It. Ross credits the film with launching his career. Over the next 17 years, his roles at 40 Acres and a Mule Productions were multi-faceted, from Production Assistant to Vice President of Production; in 1991, Ross even starred in the Lee, student Academy Award winning film: Joe's Bed-Stuy Barbershop - We Cut Heads. While co-producing a film each year, he also produced ad campaigns for brands such as Nike's Air Jordans and Levi's 501 campaign, as well as music videos for artists such as Stevie Wonder and Prince. He worked on the NYC production Inside Man, starring Denzel Washington, Clive Own and Jodie Foster, which was Lee's highest grossing film to date. Ross, before returning to serve as 40 Acres' Special Project Coordinator, along with Adam C. Powell, III, Adam C. Powell, IV and Geoffrey Garfield, produced the bio film on the legendary Harlem, NY Congressman Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. The film, Keep The Faith Baby, starred Vanessa Williams and Harry Lenox. Additionally, he also, directed and produced 2 nationally televised syndicated docs, Welfare to Work, hosted by Nia Long and After Affirmative Action, hosted by Malcolm Jamal Warner which aired in over 100 hundred markets. While at 40 Acres, he coordinated the company's community outreach including its internship program, through which 40 Acres staged a boot camp providing a week of training and networking opportunities placing interns in various departments during the production of each of its films.
Now more than ever independent artists thirst for an opportunity to be heard. Indie Review Radio is the catalyst to do just that. Each week the show will feature the best and greatest in the world of independent musicians artists and seasoned industry professionals. The show will include new music by indies, the latest in industry trends by seasoned industry professionals and a wealth of information for independent artists that are looking for what's next in their careers.
Daniel “Danny” Simmons, Jr. is an abstract-expressionist painter. Older brother of hip-hop impressario Russell Simmons and rapper Joseph Simmons (“Reverend Run” of Run DMC), he is the founder and President of the Rush Arts Gallery. In addition, Simmons converted part of his loft in Brooklyn into the Corridor Gallery. Along with his brother Russell, Simmons established Def Poetry Jam, which has enjoyed long-running success on HBO. Simmons is also the founder and Vice-President of the Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation, a non-profit organization. In 2004, Simmons published Three Days As The Crow Flies, a fictional account of the 1980′s New York art scene. He has also written a book of artwork and poetry called I Dreamed My People Were Calling But I Couldn’t Find My Way Home. Simmons is the son of Daniel Simmons, Sr., a truant officer and black history professor who also wrote poetry, and Evelyn Simmons, a teacher who painted as a hobby. He earned a degree in social work from New York University and a master’s in public finance from Long Island University. He began painting after he realized how much he hated his job with the Bureau of Child Support. Simmons, an abstract-expressionist painter, has had his work shown nationally. Chase Manhattan Bank, the United Nations, and the Schomburg Center for Black Culture all show his work as part of their collections. He is also an avid collector of African art and comic books.
Dominga Martin, originally from Boston, Massachusetts, attended Clark Atlanta University where she studied Radio, TV, Film and Journalism. Her mother, is an activist on human rights/poverty issues and recipient of the prestigious Martin Luther King Drum Major for Justice Award. A journalist by trade, Dominga’s diverse talents span the worlds of film, fashion, and music. Her 15+ years in the entertainment industry began as a production assistant/ director assistant for various film and music videos. As a former VJ for Atlanta’s premiere video show “In the Mixx”, she mingled with and interviewed today’s most talented entertainers, including Sean “Diddy” Combs, and Ludacris, to name a few. In 2001, Dominga branched out to other creative endeavors and formed House of Ming, a boutique motion picture company that has developed two short films; bum in 2001 and Yellow in 2005, both of which she is writer/director. bum screened at the Roxbury Film Festival (2001). Yellow was featured in the 9th Annual Reel Sisters Film Festival (2006), the Hollywood Black Film Festival (2006), BET’s The Best Shorts (October, 2006) and a host of other festivals from NYC to LA. Additionally, the film was the winner of the “Best Short Narrative” category at the 5th Annual Hip Hop Odyssey International Film Festival (2007). Yellow screened at BAM Rose Cinemas in Brooklyn, NY in their “Creatively Speaking Series” (May, 2008). Dominga’s journalism career has flourished over the years. She worked with entertainment publication Rolling Out, Atlanta, and, in turn, launched Rolling Out, New York. She has also freelanced for VIBE, UPSCALE and ESSENCE magazines, Men’s Fitness online, and Blackfilm.com. While Editor-in-Chief of a start up publication, she met Gladymir Leveille, and the two subsequently launched Cre`me Magazine in 2004.
Now more than ever independent artists thirst for an opportunity to be heard. Indie Review Radio is the catalyst to do just that. Each week the show will feature the best and greatest in the world of independent musicians artists and seasoned industry professionals. The show will include new music by indies, the latest in industry trends by seasoned industry professionals and a wealth of information for independent artists that are looking for what's next in their careers.
Rene Sandy is the co-founder of Hip-Hop Loves Foundation (HHL), a NYC-based nonprofit that co-produces workshops, seminars,and events that create space for dialogue and exploration on the themes of success, youth empowerment, and social justice through Hip Hop within a global context. The Foundation views Hip-Hop as the cultural intersection of many vibrant forms of expression including dance, sports, visual arts, and technology. Our programs are based in the US and abroad, thus enabling us to strengthen global relationships with grassroots organizations, universities, NGOs, governments, and companies that value empowering youth. HHL links artists and partnering organizations to facilitate programs that impact underserved communities. The Hip-Hop Loves Foundation (HHL) has its “I Got 5 on Hip Hop Loves” Campaign and embarked on a collaborative effort to raise $1 Million to expand its work in the US, Brazil, Australia, Japan, and South Africa. The "I Got $5 on Hip Hop Loves" campaign in partnership with AllHipHop.com will encourage fans of Hip Hop from all over the world to donate $5 or more. The tax deductable donations will be used to establish Hip-Hop Loves workspace and workshop centers in New York City, Rio, Los Angeles, and Seattle. Mobile studios for workshops will be established in Africa, Australia, the United Kingdome and other areas that lack modern technology. Another Hip Hop Loves Foundation project that warrants support is the compilation CD to raise money to support the ongoing work in Haiti after the earthquake in January 2010. Proceeds from album sales will go to Global Syndicate and to the Hip Hop Loves Foundation for ground relief in Haiti as well as to facilitate workshops. Producers on the project include Hip Hop Loves Co-Founder Siba Giba, and Emmy Award Winning Producer Emmai Alaquiva, DJ Scratch, Pete Rock, Will Tell, and Lee Stone.
Critically acclaimed classical singer, actress and recording artist Bridgette Cooper is a 2012 Marian Anderson Scholar and was guest soloist for the 73 Annual Lincoln Memorial Concert Revisited. Bridgette was recently notified that she is the 2012 Distinguished Alumni Award recipient from East Carolina University School of Music. Ms. Cooper made her Carnegie Hall debut in the Weil Recital Hall in the Voices of the New Millennium Concert in New York City. Her guest soloist engagements include singing for the People’s Inaugural Luncheon Tribute to First Lady Michelle Obama, The International Caribbean Heritage Awards, The Bahamas Independence Day and Goombay Festival which celebrates her Bahamian heritage, The New Haven Connecticut Celebration of the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Recital, The Royal Palm Beach Celebration for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in Palm Beach, Florida, The !00 Celebration of Christ Episcopal Church in Miami, Florida, as well as soloist for St. Christopher's Episcopal Church in Haverville, Florida. Bridgette was also featured as guest soloist for the unveiling of Thomas Jefferson's historical "North Star Newspaper" at the Benjamin Banneker Museum. Her television credits include the role of the clerk in fifth season of the HBO series THE WIRE, Toyota commercial, and the television pilot project The Washingtonian for HBO produced by Sarah Jessica Parker. Her debut CD Heavenly Grass: Great American Art Songs premiered to rave reviews. Ms. Cooper has performed with The Lyric Opera of Chicago, the Charleston Symphony International Tour of Porgy and Bess performing the roles of Bess and Clara, The Israel Jerusalem Music Festival, Aspen Opera Theater and Opera Ebony Young Artist Program. Her debut with The Washington National Opera helped to establish her as not only a world class opera singer, but also an advocate for the education of opera for our younger generation.
Lydia René’s eclectic influences and free spirited musicianship culminated in her first release My Love IS My Life, recorded live in 2008. As a new artist, it didn’t take very long for people to take note of her musical star power. She quickly embarked on a live performance schedule that included venues all around the Philadelphia area and beyond, including headlining gigs that showcased her attention-grabbing live presence, winning raves at every stop. She has also had the opportunity to work with acclaimed producers and musicians like Burn N Bush (Lauryn Hill, Aretha Franklin), BAM (Lil Mama), Damon “Mr. Dizzy Fingers” Bennett (Jay-Z, Christina Aguilera, Justin Timberlake), and Stan Davis (Kindred The Family Soul, Kelly Rowland, Teena Marie). Not limiting herself to her own project, she’s also written songs for projects by multi-platinum artists Toni Braxton and Lil’ Mo. Growing up in Mount Holly, NJ, Lydia was a prodigy whose parents exposed her to a myriad of genres including classical, jazz, gospel and rock. Her father, who is a singer, pianist and music teacher, would quiz young Lydia on the music of legends like Stevie Wonder and Gladys Knight, and she’d nail it each time. She quickly developed her own musicianship performing in her school’s jazz band as a pianist, in the marching band as a bass drummer and xylophone player, and as co-captain of the drumline at the competition level, taking home the “Woody Herman Award for Excellence in Jazz.” Lydia continued her love of music behind the scenes while studying fashion at Philadelphia Univeristy. Taking inspiration from her idol Jill Scott, she embarked on a journey to the stage that has blazed her trail through today. As Lydia René builds upon her ever-growing fan base and prepares for her debut studio album, she continues to touch audiences with the musical dexterity of her live performance.
MTV Made’s Award winning singer-activist Maya Azucena travels the world making music that matters. Appreciated by many artists in the worlds of hip-hop, soul, jazz, dance and reggae, Maya has been part of countless collaborations, including a Grammy certificate winning feature on Stephen Marley’s CD “Mind Control,” and performances or recordings with artists as wide-ranging as Marcus Miller, Cormega, Mr. Cheeks, Roberta Flack, Immortal Technique, iNi Kamoze, Vernon Reid and Jonathan Peters. In 2010, Maya was heard on multiple tracks from the critically acclaimed album Pickin’ Up The Pieces by Fitz and The Tantrums. Her music has been featured on HBO’s The Wire and her likeness on NBC’s 30 Rock. On JAN 14TH Maya Azucena launches, “Dance Revolution”, a song commissioned by One Billion Rising campaign, Produced by DJ Spinna, and music video directed by Rae Maxwell, “Dance Revolution” marks the 1-month countdown to One Billion Rising, a Global Day of Action to End Violence Against Women and Girls. Keith Robinson is a true triple threat having already mastered acting and songwriting, he’s now positioning himself to take over the music world. Before he made his way to Tinseltown, the Kentucky native was offered a record deal with his group State of Mind, but no music was released. Upon traveling to Los Angeles, Robinson had a chance meeting with a film and television manager who jumpstarted his acting career. From there, he thrived and achieved an incredible 42 projects of both television and film while still pursuing a music career--placing songs on many film and television projects he was involved in as a solo artist. Robinson has three films set to release later this year: Caught on Tape, Divorce Invitation and The Redemption of a Dog. The latter stars seasoned actor and reality TV star Tamara Mowry-Housely and screen legend Lynn Whitfield. He is also working on a new music album
Now more than ever independent artists thirst for an opportunity to be heard. Indie Review Radio is the catalyst to do just that. Each week the show will feature the best and greatest in the world of independent musicians
We will take a look back at some moments in 2012 and preview what's to come in 2013. Now more than ever independent artists thirst for an opportunity to be heard. Indie Review Radio is the catalyst to do just that. Each week the show will feature the best and greatest in the world of independent musicians artists and seasoned industry professionals. The show will include new music by indies, the latest in industry trends by seasoned industry professionals and a wealth of information for independent artists that are looking for what's next in their careers.
With over 15 years of production experience under her belt, Joyce Washington is the company you most certainly keep when producing television projects, commercials, music videos or your next Independent Feature. Her resume reads like an award nominee roster. Joyce has produced music videos for Beyonce, Kelly Clarkson, Mary J Blige, Will I Am, Joss Stone, Marc Anthony, Lil Wayne, Ciara, Westlife, Thalia, Toni Braxton, TI and Mary Mary just to name a few. Washington is clearly the hardest working producer in show business. Washington has produced for award winning directors Tim Story, Hype Williams, Jake Nava, Benny Boom, Ray Kay, Antti Jokinen, Bryan Barber, Paul Hunter, Billie Woodruff, Erik White, Dave Meyers, Darren Grant and Jesse Dylan. Joyce Washington began her career in the mid ‘90’s as Director of Operations for Propaganda Films, a company that spearheaded the modern music video movement. Washington produced short film “Breakdown” which won top honors at the Acapulco Black Film Festival, feature film “Book of Love”, commercials, TV Shows (Soul Train Music Awards, VH-1 Awards Show, Lady of Soul Awards), Talk Shows (Keenan Ivory Wayans, Michael Baisden), Web Content for Gatorade Network (Variety Show “Leave it on the Floor”, hosted by Fonzworth Bentley and Quest for G Sports Series). One of her funniest and most memorable moments came when she produced the comedy short “Skank Robbers” starring Martin Lawrence and Jamie Foxx. She developed a relationship with Foxx/King and went on to produce Jamie Foxx Live Concert DVD for his 2009 “Blame It” tour. Washington has not only produced through out the U.S but has worked around the world, such places as Jamaica, Ireland, South Africa, Puerto Rico and Brazil. Her Production Company, Eleven Seven Productions is developing TV Shows and reviewing feature length scripts. She just recently wrapped the new T-Boz reality series.
April is the founder of Akila Worksongs a communications agency that specializes in arts and activism, a phrase popularized by founder April. The agency offers public and media relations; online marketing (email, social media, mobile); event planning, marketing, and production services. Its distinguished client and relationship rosters (individuals and groups) have included luminaries such as Sonia Sanchez, Amiri and Amina Baraka, Nana Camille Yarbrough, Ras Baraka, Sister Souljah, Doug E. Fresh, Sean Combs, Chuck D., asha bandele, Toni Blackman, UNIVERSES, Rosa Clemente, JLove Calderon, Erica Ford, Kevin Powell, Mo Beasley, Byron Hurt, Alex Bugnon, Tulani Kinard, Iyanla Vanzant, Marcella Runell Hall, Marc Lamont Hill, Adesola Osakalumi, Yasiin Bey (formerly Mos Def), Talib Kweli, and many others. It has also serviced or collaborated with a number of highly respected community-based and non-profit organizations; cultural arts institutions; and corporate and philanthropic entities since 1993, including Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, American Museum of Natural History, Apollo Theater, Center for Black Literature, Center for Law and Social Justice, Comedy Central, Ford Foundation, Fort Greene Festival, HarlemStage/Aaron Davis Hall, Jazz at Lincoln Center, Malcolm X Grassroots Movement, Mott Foundation, New Jersey Performing Arts Center, Playwrights Horizons, Public Theater, Romare Bearden Foundation, Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, and various others. A special 20th Anniversary celebration of Akila Worksongs featuring an afternoon of spoken word, live music, drama, and dance is coming up.
ANTONIQUE SMITH Antonique is following the career path of Barbra Streisand, Diana Ross and Whitney Houston; pursuing a career in film while also continuing to make her dream of a Grammy-winning recording career into the most amazing of realities. Surprisingly, her love for Whitney would translate into a voice of her own. Therefore, it’s no shock that two of Smith’s most famous roles centered on music. She brought R&B songstress Faith Evans to the big screen in 2009’s Notorious. She conquered the role of Mimi Márquez in the iconic Broadway musical, Rent. But for Antonique’s next venture, the exotic beauty, isn’t playing a character; she is exposing her heart and soul in a ten-track album that she co-wrote. LINA As an R&B artist, Lina's sound crosses several music genres including Jazz, Soul, Hip-hop, Gospel and Pop. A lyricist, Lina's depth puts you in the mind of Lauren Hill or Mos Def. A musician's musician, who sings in eight languages, Lina writes all of her songs, and her delivery is sometimes reminiscent of the great Billie Holiday. Her artsy, funky style reminds you of Erykah Badu or Jill Scott. Her out-of-the-box-hard-to-label persona is on the level of a Macy Gray. In spite of all of those comparisons, she’s an original. Her sound is fresh and in its own lane. . In 1998, Lina got her first big break as a songwriter by penning a tune for Tyrese's self-titled debut album. Lina proved herself to also be a solid songwriter, penning "Ain't Nothing Like a Jones" for Tyrese.
Thuli is winner of the Sir Lawrence Olivier Award in London and the Obie in New York for her lead role in Poppie Nongena. She’s the winner of three Audelco Awards in New York for writing, directing and performing her one woman show Buya Africa, she also won the FNB Vita Award when she performed Buya Africa at the Civic theatre in Johannesburg South Africa. Thuli played Rafiki in the Lion King on Broadway, Poppie Nongena in New York, London, Toronto, Australia and Chicago. She performed Bongi in Bongi’s Journey at Crossroads theatre in New Brunswick, Lost in the Stars on Broadway, Kamadonsela (Lady Macbeth) in Welcome Msomi’s Umabatha in South Africa and abroad. Sheila’s Day at Crossroads Theatre in New Brunswick and The Market Theatre in Johannesburg, Madre in Juan Darien Off Broadway and many more. Thuli has toured the world doing concert shows during the Apartheid time raising awareness about the plight of fellow South Africans. She's worked with the late Miriam Makeba. She was the lead singer in a female group, Thokoza and was honoured when she participated in Mandela’s 80th birthday celebration. She was invited by the department of Education in New York to tour schools teaching young people about the role of Africa in the world through music and dance. Thuli was a vocal coach for Sarafina on Broadway and was vocal coach and musical director for Sheila’s Day. She was the choreographer for Umabatha, Muntu Dance Theatre in Chicago and Dinizulu Dance Company. Thuli was the Dance Director for IZulu Dance Theatre Company for 7 years. Thuli continues to work with Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS and the Lion King Companies in America, providing them with beaded merchandise to raise funds for HIV/AIDS. She has a group of 20 rural women in the village of Galibasi in Muden KZN in South Africa that do beadwork and sell it abroad to theatre goers in New York. Part of the money raised goes to AIDS organizations in SA.
Yusef Salaam was one of five black and Latino teenagers from Harlem who in 1989 were arrested and later convicted of brutally beating and raping a white woman in New York City’s Central Park. New York Mayor Ed Koch called it the “crime of the century” and it remains to date one of the biggest media stories of our time. The five each spent between 6 and 13 years in prison before a shocking confession from a serial rapist and DNA evidence proved their innocence. Set against a backdrop of a decaying city beset by violence and racial tension, THE CENTRAL PARK FIVE documentary tells the story of how five lives were upended by the rush to judgment by police, a sensationalist media and a devastating miscarriage of justice.
With the release of her third project, Juneteenth Revolution, Collette arrives, through intricate yet intimate songs of life, love, and liberation she solidifies her industry position as the talent to watch. Her first full-length pop, funk and soul album since her 2008 debut, Experience Collette, represents a high-watermark for a multi-instrumentalist singer who has worked tirelessly to achieve the evident growth in her craft, a polish to her live performances, and the rewards of hard-earned critical acclaim. It’s only fitting that the Juneteenth holiday, also known as Emancipation Day, is also Collette’s birthday. The title of Collette’s latest, greatest inspiration is born from the idea of people seizing the freedoms they already have, much like the American slaves of the antebellum South. Collette was born into a long bloodline of unconventional women trailblazing unique paths in music. After years of honing her own three-octave alto in the choir rafters and studying piano, baritone and alto saxophone, Collette was determined to give voice to the melodies and chords playing in her head. By the time the Howard U. grad took off for NYC, she knew exactly who she was and what she wanted: to claim her own Juneteenth freedoms from the city of dreams that never sleep. Writing and arranging her debut album following a romantic break-up, in 2008 Collette released her calling card, Experience Collette. She closed out her pre-Juneteenth run with CoCo By Request in 2010, an EP of covers including celebrated takes on Erykah Badu’s “Orange Moon” and Richard Smallwood’s “Angels,” that served as a love letter to fans who picked the songs Collette recorded and supported her Kickstarter campaign for the project Juneteenth Revolution.
Now more than ever independent artists thirst for an opportunity to be heard. Indie Review Radio is the catalyst to do just that. Each week the show will feature the best and greatest in the world of independent musicians artists and seasoned industry professionals. The show will include new music by indies, the latest in industry trends by seasoned industry professionals and a wealth of information for independent artists that are looking for what's next in their careers.
Karen Hudson, also recognized in entertainment industry circles as Kay Konnect is the Deputy Editor of MommyNoire.com, a parenting site dedicated to mature, multicultural women seeking organic dialogue about parenthood in the digital space. A unique place for critical and creative engagement, MommyNoire responds to the desire of this cosmopolitan community with tips and advice in every aspect of parenting, including marriage, relationships, sex, career mobility, education, finance, fitness, nutrition, community, and philanthropic work. Explorations of the jet-setting lifestyles of celebrity moms such as Beyonce, Nia Long, Monica, Tia Mowry- Hardrict, Kelis, Mel B, and Jada Pinkett fuel inspiration and aspiration. Coverage of front row fashion, eclectic beauty, makeup, exquisite food, modern home decor, entertainment, and travel help women realize the full aesthetic potential of their new lives as moms. Karen has worked in the fields of writing, media, marketing, advertising, fashion, the arts and education. She is the former Editor-in-Chief of Mixtape Magazine, a print publication dedicated to mixtape DJs and emerging Hip Hop artists, as well as former freelance writer for Allhiphop.com. In 2005, she graduated Cum Laude from Northeastern University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Liberal Studies, with a focus on the Art and Structure of Storytelling. She also holds a degree in Advertising Sales and will soon graduate with a master's degree in Media Studies. She is the mother of a 2 year old, busy toddler. Due to a high risk pregnancy, her son, Kannon, was born at 30 weeks. She spent two months in the hospital on bed rest and he spent an additional 8 weeks in the NICU. That experience shifted her priorities to pursuing a career that sheds light on the parenting journey.
Born Malik Boyd, into a musical family nestled in the outskirts of Philadelphia, Soul would sneak downstairs in the middle of the night to listen to his father’s 12” records. Although knowing this was forbidden by his mother, Soul spent countless nights soaking in the musical styles of Mandrill, WAR, Marvin Gaye, and Issac Hayes. Although these aural lessons did not immediate manifest anything in his life, it would become part of the foundation for his destiny. Soul got his music feet wet, singing on just about every choir his church had. However, the church was very strict, opting not to use any other instruments than a piano and organ. As the 1st semester of college passed, Soul felt something changing in his life. The choice to listen to this inner voice would drive Soul from college to New York, with very little money and a quest to complete the dream of becoming a singer. Job after job, opportunity and opportunity, label meeting after label meeting, the quest showed signs of promise, but ultimately would lead to disappointment. That luck changed when Soul met Kool (of Kool and the Gang), and after that meeting, Soul walked out with a new manager and a new vision. He began working with Kool and recording in the studio. While this union was short lived, it catapulted Soul into working and recording with some of the music industry’s top producers. Soul also started an open mic venue “Philly Unplugged”, which ran weekly for 7 yrs. That vision gave way to opportunities that allowed unsigned artists to perform on the same stage as artists like Floetry, Jeff Bradshaw,Teddy Riley, while creating a buzz that would allow Soul to perform on various stages across the country. Soul moved to LA went out and built a studio in his home and learned how to produce records & melodies into song. He was the 1st music artist to make a transition to become Pres. of the Philly Young Democrats & lead youth in community service.
Born and raised in Washington, DC, the singer/songwriter Tamika Jones has finally come into her own. Growing up in poverty, Tamika turned to music as an escape from the harsh realities of drugs and violence that those around her so easily succumbed to. A young and timid Tamika, at the age of 11, was discovered when a classmate heard her singing a song so beautifully and ahead of her age and outed her to her teacher and classmates, who let her know that she could no longer keep her voice hidden. From then on, Miss Jones began singing everywhere she went. Singing in various gospel and jazz choirs in school and around the city and even directing her very own gospel ensemble at School Without Walls High School. Eventually, Tamika caught the attention of Grammy nominated producer and Bad Boy Hit Man Chucky Thompson, also a DC native. Chucky worked with Tamika for several years mentoring her on songwriting, recording and the music business, inviting her to work on projects with acclaimed artists like Faith Evans, Mya, Lil’ Kim, Tanya Blount, and Grammy winner, songwriter Denise Rich. Surrounded by so many successful artists, Tamika began searching for her own sound and place in the industry. With other musical influences such as Duke Ellington, Billie Holiday, Rachelle Farrell, Nina Simone, Sade, Karen Clark Sheard, and Jill Scott, she found that she was most at home with Jazz and Gospel. Also, her love affair with hip hop is what she found connected her to her peers and younger kids who she wanted her positive messages to reach and also gave her that street edge that is intrinsic of a girl surrounded by the ghetto. With one look into the eyes of Tamika Jones, you can see the love and passion she has for music and her people, and in her songs you can hear the pain, struggles and triumph that makes Tamika stand out like a rose emerging from the concrete.
Now more than ever independent artists thirst for an opportunity to be heard. Indie Review Radio is the catalyst to do just that. Each week the show will feature the best and greatest in the world of independent musicians artists and seasoned industry professionals. The show will include new music by indies, the latest in industry trends by seasoned industry professionals and a wealth of information for independent artists that are looking for what's next in their careers.
Brought up on the roots and traditions of the musical city of New Orleans, Water Seed has become one of the undergrounds best kept secrets. Crossing genres, social status, and age lines, Water Seed continues to reach fans of every demographic. Made of up of Grammy winners, Major Label side players and accomplished composers, Water Seed presents musicianship at it's finest. Starting with a tight grooving bottom, surrounded by stylish harmony and depth, and topped with a bold horn and vocal presence Water Seed is built like the perfect woman. They hit the stage with a sassy grace and easily commands any crowded room. Known for their amazing live show and stellar sound, Water Seed has funked out just about every type of stage and venues. Be it their 3 appearance at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival or the far off stages of Russia, the Water Seed legacy and second to none. Water Seed has just finished their latest cd and is preparing to hit the road. While preparing for the road Water Seed released a number of singles with some of the independent scene's most influential performers to keep their fans grooving. Water Seed is now poised to capture the music scene like that of legendary acts. They possess the perfect ingredients to create a superstar gumbo.
Kelly spent 15 yrs as a marketing executive in the entertainment industry. During that time she marketed/ promoted recording artists from obscure unknowns to popular household names. Many of them received Grammy Awards and multi-platinum status. In 2005 it all came to an end, when the debilitating effects of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) became too much to manage in the fast paced, stressful world of entertainment. Kelly was laid off thereafter. Kelly put her years of experiences together and formed a new company, Insider Branding Secrets. She now empowers passionate but struggling solo service entrepreneurs to build powerful brands, develop magnetic, compelling marketing messages, identify that ideal target audience, attract more clients, more visibility & more money. Using the Insider Branding Secrets she's learned after yrs of marketing success, Kelly is able to provide the effective tools and easy-to-implement strategies to increase visibility and income. Some of the artists Kelly has worked with include Mary J. Blige, P.Diddy, Erykah Badu, Jill Scott, Queen Latifah. In an attempt to find alternative ways of treating MS, Kelly was introduced to a health wellness coach and got hooked. She decided to get certified as a wellness coach and begin a new career that she blends with her branding Co. Becoming a wellness coach allowed her to live a less stressful life.
Range Da Messenga is an emcee, singer, songwriter, vocal coach, vocal arranger, poet and dreadlocked philosopher, from Southwest Virginia. Range Da Messenga has recently teamed up with Philly’s premier underground beat-maker Hezekiah for an exclusive 6 track digital-maxi single. Warming the world up for their upcoming EP “Battlecry”, Range & Hezekiah drop a ripple in the placid waters of soul/R&B with a mosaic of hip-hop, soul, gospel and world music upbringing infused in 6 songs. In the past two years, RANGE DA MESSENGA has flourished in countless popular live music venues of Philadelphia as the next soulful singer & songwriter to watch. Hailing from Roanoke, Virginia, Range has been singing, songwriting, rapping, arranging, recording, and performing for over half his life, but only since he moved to Philadelphia in 2010 did he begin to grab the attention of America's soulful elite. Sharing stages with the likes of Bilal, Raheem DeVaughn, Glenn Lewis, Marsha Ambrosius, Lupe Fiasco, Syleena Johnson, Kindred the Family Soul, The Wailers and many more, RANGE DA MESSENGA is poised to be the next recognizable voice in the world of Hip Hop Soul.
Founder of NABFEME, the National Association of Black Female Executives in Music & Ent, Inc., and creator of the Women Who Jam! an all female artistic movement, Johnnie Walker holds the distinction of being named the first female Sr. VP of Promotion for the Island Def Jam Music Group and the only female to ever hold that position for the company. In 2005, Walker was honored with the Woman of Conscience Award from Rev. Jesse Jackson and Rainbow/PUSH. Ms Walker also received Delta Sigma Theta’s 2006 Osceola Award, the highest honor given to professionals in the arts. In 2009 Women’s eNews named Walker as one of New York's 21 Leaders for the 21st Century. In 2010, Memphis newspaper, the Tri State Defender, named Johnnie Walker a “Woman of Excellence.” Walker’s career began as a country music radio personality. She later segued to a Black music radio opportunity in Memphis, TN at KRNB. In 1989, Johnnie Walker's marketing zeal brought her to the attention of Russell Simmons at Def Jam Recordings, where he wooed her from a career in radio broadcasting to become one of the label’s regional marketing reps. Within 1 yr she was promoted from Regional Promotions Manager, to National Dir of Promotion. The Sr. National Director position soon followed and positioned Johnnie to be instrumental in launching the careers of Redman, Method Man, Montell Jordan and Foxy Brown! In 1999, Johnnie Walker founded NABFEME, a nonprofit professional organization staffed by entertainment industry volunteers, whose mission is to raise the profile and increase the awareness of women of color in entertainment.
Now more than ever independent artists thirst for an opportunity to be heard. Indie Review Radio is the catalyst to do just that. Each week the show will feature the best and greatest in the world of independent musicians artists and ... seasoned industry professionals. The show will include new music by indies, the latest in industry trends by seasoned industry professionals and a wealth of information for independent artists that are looking for what's next in their careers.
Now more than ever independent artists thirst for an opportunity to be heard. Indie Review Radio is the catalyst to do just that. Each week the show will feature the best and greatest in the world of independent musicians artists and seasoned industry professionals. The show will include new music by indies, the latest in industry trends by seasoned industry professionals and a wealth of information for independent artists that are looking for what's next in their careers
Now more than ever independent artists thirst for an opportunity to be heard. Indie Review Radio is the catalyst to do just that. Each week the show will feature the best and greatest in the world of independent musicians artists and seasoned industry professionals. The show will include new music by indies, the latest in industry trends by seasoned industry professionals and a wealth of information for independent artists that are looking for what's next in their careers.
Abiah spent his childhood with his single mother, an accomplished musician who accompanied the late operatic Baritone William Warfield in earlier years. She introduced him to the singers who would become Abiah’s influences: Sarah Vaughn, Anita Baker and later Nina Simone. “They were great singers and song interpreters,” he says. “They were text painters and I believe that’s a lost art.” Abiah honed his skills through the years as a background singer for artists George Michael, Chuck Mangione, Amel Larrieux and Yolanda Adams while cutting his chops in opera as a voice major in college. By the time his debut album was released in 2006, Abiah already knew exactly what he brought to the table — a warm, engaging voice and unassailable taste in music. His debut album was an underground smash. His video Love For a While, a duet with Shanice Wilson became a hit on VH1 Soul and BET J. Abiah got practically handed an unexpected cottage industry, when he became an in-demand vocal coach. Initial inquiries from singer-friends impressed by his sound and range has blossomed into a side-business that finds him coaching major label artists, up-and-comers, solid pros hankering to rise up to that proverbial next level, and musical game show contestants hoping to impress celebrity judges with noticeably increased prowess. He also made an appearance on an Emmy nominated episode of MTV's MADE. The new album, Life As A Ballad, boasts of gems like the gorgeous opener,"September", "Doves", as well as 7 other self-penned originals. To help him capture the songs’ intimacy, Abiah turned to Robert Glasper, his cousin, “We definitely have a great chemistry in the studio.